The 2017-S George Rogers Clark Quarter is worth anywhere from $0.25 in circulated condition to over $500 for high-grade specimens. While most quarters you find in pocket change are only worth their face value, the “S” mint mark and specific error varieties can make this coin a hidden treasure.
| Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Wear) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Uncirculated (Mint State) | $1.00 – $15.00 |
| Proof (Clad) | $3.00 – $7.00 |
| Silver Proof (90% Silver) | $12.00 – $35.00 |
History and Design of the George Rogers Clark Quarter
The George Rogers Clark National Historical Park quarter was the 40th release in the “America the Beautiful Quarters” Program. Issued in 2017, this coin commemorates the heroic efforts of George Rogers Clark during the American Revolutionary War. Specifically, it honors the surrender of Fort Sackville in 1779, a pivotal moment that secured the “Old Northwest” for the United States.
If you aren’t sure if the quarter you are holding is a special strike or just a common circulation piece, using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between the various finishes. The reverse design, created by Frank Morris, depicts Clark leading his men through the flooded plains of the Illinois country to surprise the British. It is a striking image full of action and historical significance.
Most of these coins were minted in Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) for general circulation. However, the 2017-S versions were produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the P and D coins, 2017-S quarters were primarily intended for collectors. They were sold in sets or rolls directly from the U.S. Mint, making them much rarer in your everyday loose change. When using CoinHix, collectors often find that these “S” mint quarters carry a premium over their more common cousins.
Understanding the 2017-S Mint Mark Variations
When we discuss the 2017-S George Rogers Clark Quarter value, we must differentiate between three distinct types of “S” mint coins. The San Francisco Mint produced a “Business Strike” for collectors, a “Clad Proof,” and a “Silver Proof.” Each of these has a different scarcity level and market demand. Identifying which one you have is the first step in determining its true market price.
The Business Strike (Uncirculated) “S” quarters were not released into general circulation. They were sold in bags and rolls by the Mint. Because they were never meant to be spent, finding one in your change usually means a collector accidentally spent it. These are prized because they are harder to find than the standard Philadelphia or Denver issues.
The Proof versions are even more distinct. They feature a mirror-like finish with frosted details. The Clad Proof is made of the standard copper-nickel composition, while the Silver Proof is 90% silver. If you want to check the most current market trends, you can view the George Rogers Clark quarter auction records to see what top-tier specimens are selling for today.
| Mint Mark & Type | Mintage (Approx.) | Collector Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| 2017-P (Philadelphia) | 180,800,000 | Common |
| 2017-D (Denver) | 196,600,000 | Common |
| 2017-S (San Francisco) | 917,000 | Scarce |
Factors That Influence 2017-S Quarter Value
The primary driver for the value of any coin is its condition or “grade.” For the 2017-S George Rogers Clark Quarter, a single point on the grading scale can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC use a 70-point scale, where MS70 (Mint State 70) represents a perfect coin.
Since the “S” mint business strikes were often shipped in bags, they frequently bumped into each other. This causes small scratches known as “bag marks.” A 2017-S quarter with zero bag marks under 5x magnification is extremely rare. For everyday Americans, the best way to track these fluctuations is through the CoinHix app, which provides real-time updates on coin valuations based on recent sales.
Another factor is the type of strike. Proof coins are struck twice with specially polished dies. This gives them a “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) effect where the image pops against the dark, shiny background. A 2017-S Silver Proof in PR70 DCAM (Proof 70 Deep Cameo) is the pinnacle for collectors and fetches the highest prices at auction. You can find more detail on the 2017-S quarter price guide for different grades.
Are There Any Valuable Errors on the 2017 Quarter?
Error hunters are always looking for “doubled dies,” “off-center strikes,” or “clipped planchets.” While the 2017-S George Rogers Clark Quarter doesn’t have a famous, widely recognized major error like the 1955 Doubled Die Penny, minor errors do exist. These can significantly boost the 2017-S George Rogers Clark Quarter value for the right buyer.
Some collectors have reported minor doubling on the inscriptions “George Rogers Clark” or “Indiana.” These “Doubled Die Reverse” (DDR) errors can be subtle and often require a magnifying glass or a high-resolution camera. If you suspect your coin has a mistake, compare it to standard images in the CoinHix library to see if the doubling is actual mint error or just “mechanical doubling” (which doesn’t add much value).
Other things to look for include “Die Chips” or “Cuds.” Because the design of the Clark quarter is quite intricate, the dies sometimes broke down during the minting process. Small blobs of extra metal on the men’s rifles or uniforms could be a die chip. While not worth thousands, these “oddity” coins can sell to niche collectors for $10 to $50.
| Error Type | What to Look For | Est. Value |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Doubled Die | Doubling in the letters “GLARK” | $15 – $50 |
| Die Chip | Extra metal on the hats or rifles | $5 – $20 |
| Struck Through | Faint design caused by grease in die | $10 – $30 |
How to Tell If Your 2017-S Quarter Is Silver
One of the big questions people ask is whether their 2017-S quarter is made of silver. In 2017, the U.S. Mint produced a specific Silver Proof version of the George Rogers Clark Quarter. Unlike the standard “clad” quarters that have a copper core, these are 90% silver and 10% copper. Finding one of these is like finding a small silver bullion coin.
The easiest way to check is the “Edge Test.” Look at the side of the coin. If you see a solid silver-colored edge, it is likely the silver version. If you see a brownish-orange stripe, that’s the copper core of a standard clad coin. However, the most definitive test is the “Weight Test.” A silver quarter weighs approximately 6.25 grams, while a clad quarter weighs about 5.67 grams.
Silver quarters are always worth more than clad quarters because they have “intrinsic value.” Even if the coin is scratched up, the silver content alone makes it worth several dollars based on the current price of silver. Collectors will pay even more for a clean, untarnished silver proof. Checking your coin against a reliable database is the best way to confirm you haven’t overlooked a silver gem.
Where to Sell Your George Rogers Clark Quarters
If you’ve identified that you have a high-value 2017-S George Rogers Clark Quarter, your next step is deciding where to sell it. For coins worth $1 to $20, online marketplaces like eBay are usually the best bet. You can reach thousands of collectors quickly. Just be sure to take clear, high-resolution photos of both sides of the coin.
For coins that you believe are in “Perfect” condition (MS70 or PR70), you might consider having them professionally graded. A quarter that might sell for $5 “raw” could sell for $100 or more if it comes in a certified plastic slab from PCGS. However, grading costs money, so only do this if the coin looks absolutely flawless under a microscope.
Finally, local coin shops are a great resource for a quick sale. While they won’t pay you the full “retail” value (because they need to make a profit), they offer immediate cash and expert advice. Before you head to the shop, make sure you have a ballpark figure in mind so you can negotiate fairly and get the best possible price for your piece of American history.
FAQ: Common Questions About the 2017-S Quarter
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Q: Is the 2017-S George Rogers Clark Quarter rare?
A: The “S” mint mark version is much rarer than the “P” or “D” versions found in pocket change. Only about 900,000 business strike “S” quarters were made, compared to hundreds of millions of the others.
Q: How much is a 2017-P George Rogers Clark Quarter worth?
A: Most 2017-P quarters found in circulation are only worth 25 cents. However, if it is in perfect, uncirculated condition, it could be worth $1 to $3. Errors on these coins can also increase the value.
Q: Can I find a 2017-S quarter in my pocket change?
A: It is possible but unlikely. These were sold in sets by the U.S. Mint. If someone broke open a set and spent the coins, you might find one, making it a very lucky find!
Q: How can I tell if my quarter is a “Proof”?
A: Proof coins have a very shiny, mirror-like background and a frosted appearance on the soldiers and text. They also always carry the “S” mint mark for the 2017 series.