In 2017, the U.S. Mint released five special quarters celebrating famous American landmarks and historic sites. These coins are part of the “America the Beautiful” series, with designs that honor places like national parks and monuments. But something else makes the 2017 quarters interesting—some of them have rare errors that happened during the minting process! These errors make certain 2017 quarters valuable and highly collectible. In this article, we’ll go over the different types of errors found on 2017 quarters, how to spot them, and what they might be worth.
What Are the 2017 America the Beautiful Quarters?
In 2017, the U.S. Mint released five new quarters, each with its own unique design:
- Effigy Mounds National Monument (Iowa)
- Frederick Douglass National Historic Site (District of Columbia)
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways (Missouri)
- Ellis Island (Statue of Liberty National Monument) (New Jersey)
- George Rogers Clark National Historical Park (Indiana)
Each quarter was produced at three different U.S. Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. Some of these coins ended up with errors that make them rare and valuable to collectors.
2017 Quarter Error Types and What They’re Worth
Certain types of errors make these coins more valuable, especially if the error is easy to see. Here’s a list of the most common 2017 quarter errors and how much they might be worth.
| Error Type | Description | Value Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Die Cracks | Cracks or raised lines on the coin’s surface from a damaged die. | $10 – $50, based on size. |
| Off-Center Strikes | The design is not centered, leaving part of the coin blank. | $20 – $100+, more if very visible. |
| Double Die | Part of the design appears doubled, especially in the letters or numbers. | $50 – $200, based on visibility. |
| Clipped Planchet | A part of the coin’s edge is missing, giving it a “clipped” look. | $10 – $50, based on size. |
| Struck-Through Errors | Parts of the design are missing due to dirt or grease on the die. | $5 – $30, based on size. |
| Die Chips | Extra bits of metal on the coin, usually in the letters or other small details. | $10 – $40, depending on location. |
Understanding Each 2017 Quarter Error
Die Cracks
A die crack is like a raised line or crack on the surface of the coin. This happens when the die used to create the coin has a crack. Die crack errors are often found on the back of the coin where the design is more detailed.
Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes happen when the coin is not correctly aligned during minting. Part of the design is shifted, leaving some of the coin blank. Collectors love these coins, especially when the design is off-center by more than 10%.
Double Die
A double die error occurs when the die strikes the coin twice at a slight angle, causing some parts of the design to appear doubled. This is usually noticeable in the lettering, like “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” or “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
Clipped Planchet
This error happens when part of the coin’s edge is missing, often due to issues with the blank before it’s minted. The “clipped” look is noticeable and makes the coin unique.
Struck-Through Errors
Struck-through errors occur when dirt or grease gets between the die and the coin blank, making some parts of the design appear faded or missing. These errors can be small but are still interesting to collectors.
Die Chips
Die chips are small extra pieces of metal on the coin’s surface, caused by parts of the die breaking off. These often appear around the letters or finer details of the design, like in the Effigy Mounds quarter.
Why Are Error Coins So Valuable?
Error coins are unique, and collectors are willing to pay extra for them because they are rare. The more visible and unusual the error, the higher the value. For example, a quarter with a clear double die or a major off-center strike could be worth much more than a regular quarter.
Collectors love the thrill of finding these rare coins in circulation or from coin rolls at the bank. In some cases, the value of error quarters can be far higher than that of normal quarters.
How to Spot and Care for 2017 Quarter Errors
Finding a 2017 quarter with an error can be exciting! Here are some tips to help you spot these coins and protect them:
- Use a Magnifying Glass: Small errors like die chips or doubling can be hard to see without magnification.
- Look in Coin Rolls: Error coins are sometimes hidden in rolls from the bank, so always check them carefully.
- Handle with Care: To keep the coin in good condition, avoid touching the surface. Use gloves if possible.
- Store Properly: Keep error coins in a protective case to prevent scratches, which will help maintain their value.
Conclusion
The 2017 quarters in the America the Beautiful series aren’t just everyday coins; some have special errors that make them highly collectible and valuable. Whether it’s a double die, off-center strike, or a simple die crack, these errors make each coin unique. For collectors or anyone interested in U.S. coin history, these 2017 error quarters are a fascinating piece of American history worth looking out for.
FAQ’s
How much are 2017 error quarters worth?
The value of a 2017 error quarter depends on the type and visibility of the error. A common error might be worth a few dollars, while rarer errors like clear double dies or off-center strikes can be worth $50 or more.
What is the rarest error on 2017 quarters?
The rarest errors on 2017 quarters are generally double dies and significant off-center strikes, especially if they are easy to see.
Can I find 2017 quarter errors in circulation?
Yes! Many error quarters are found in bank rolls or loose change, so it’s worth keeping an eye out and checking every 2017 quarter you come across.