The 2017-D Ellis Island Quarter is worth between 25 cents and $15 for most circulated examples, but well-preserved uncirculated specimens can fetch $20 or more depending on grade and condition. If you found one in your change or tucked away in an old jar, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
What Is the 2017-D Ellis Island Quarter?
The 2017-D Ellis Island Quarter is part of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, a U.S. Mint series that ran from 2010 to 2021. Each year, five national parks or historic sites were honored on the reverse of a Washington quarter. In 2017, Ellis Island — officially the Statue of Liberty National Monument in New Jersey — was one of the featured sites. The “D” mintmark tells you this coin was struck at the Denver Mint. The reverse design shows the iconic view of the statue rising above the water, a powerful image for a coin honoring one of America’s most visited landmarks.
If you’re not sure whether the coin you’re holding is actually a 2017-D Ellis Island Quarter or something else, using the best coin identifier app on your phone can save you a lot of time. Just snap a photo and let the app do the work — it’s a great first step before diving into values.
How Much Is the 2017-D Ellis Island Quarter Worth Today?
For most people who find this coin in everyday circulation, the honest answer is that it’s worth face value or just slightly above. Circulated quarters that show normal wear trade for 25 cents to a dollar or two among casual collectors. The real value kicks in when the coin has been carefully preserved from the moment it left the mint.
Here’s a quick breakdown of typical values by condition:
| Condition | Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Heavily Circulated | G–VF | $0.25 – $1 |
| Lightly Circulated | EF–AU | $1 – $5 |
| Uncirculated | MS-63 | $5 – $10 |
| Gem Uncirculated | MS-65 | $10 – $20 |
| Superb Gem | MS-67+ | $25 – $50+ |
You can also look up live auction prices for America the Beautiful quarters from 2017 to see what similar coins are actually selling for in today’s market. Real sales data is always more reliable than ballpark estimates.
Factors That Affect the 2017-D Ellis Island Quarter Value
Several things determine whether your coin is worth 25 cents or $50. Condition is the biggest factor by far. A coin that never touched a cash register — stored in a mint set or bank roll right from the start — is far more desirable than one that jingled around in pockets for years.
Strike quality also matters. The U.S. Mint produced over 274 million 2017-D Ellis Island Quarters, which means supply is high and only the very best examples stand out. Coins graded MS-67 or higher by PCGS or NGC are genuinely scarce and command serious premiums. Eye appeal plays a role too — original luster, no distracting marks, and sharp detail around the Statue of Liberty make a big difference at auction.
Error coins are another category worth watching. Die cracks, doubling, or off-center strikes can turn an ordinary quarter into something much more collectible. If your coin looks unusual in any way, get it examined before spending it.
How to Check the Value of Your 2017-D Ellis Island Quarter
The easiest way to start is to look at your coin under decent lighting and compare it to grading photos available online. Ask yourself: is the luster still intact? Are there any contact marks or scratches? Does the date and mintmark look sharp?
From there, you have a few options. You can check sold listings on eBay for recently completed sales, visit a local coin dealer for a quick opinion, or use CoinHix to track current market prices right from your phone. CoinHix gives you access to real pricing data so you’re not guessing. For a deeper look at what 2017 quarters are selling for across different grades and mints, the 2017 quarter value guide with up-to-date pricing by grade is a helpful resource worth bookmarking.
If you think your coin might grade MS-65 or better, submitting it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC can be worth the cost — a certified high-grade example is much easier to sell and typically brings stronger prices.
Is the 2017-D Ellis Island Quarter Worth Keeping?
For most people, a circulated 2017-D Ellis Island Quarter is a nice piece of history but not a financial windfall. It’s a modern coin with high mintage numbers, so the market is relatively flat at lower grades. That said, it’s still a beautiful coin with real historical meaning — Ellis Island processed more than 12 million immigrants, and this quarter is a tangible tribute to that legacy.
If you’re building a complete America the Beautiful set, this coin is an easy and inexpensive addition. And if you happen to have a roll of uncirculated ones sitting in a drawer, it’s worth checking each coin carefully with CoinHix or a grading guide — a few MS-67 gems could make that roll surprisingly valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many 2017-D Ellis Island Quarters were made?
A: The Denver Mint produced approximately 274,000,000 of these quarters in 2017. That high mintage means the coin is common in lower grades, but top-condition examples are still genuinely hard to find.
Q: Is the 2017-D Ellis Island Quarter made of silver?
A: No, the standard circulation version is made of copper-nickel clad, the same composition used for modern quarters. However, the U.S. Mint did produce silver proof versions as part of special collector sets, and those are worth considerably more.
Q: Can I sell a 2017-D Ellis Island Quarter for more than face value?
A: Yes, but only if the coin is in uncirculated condition or better. A circulated example will generally only appeal to budget set builders. Uncirculated coins graded MS-65 and above can sell for $10 to $50 or more depending on the specific grade and buyer demand.
