Ellis Island has been featured on several commemorative coins, most notably the 1986 Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island coins and the 2017 America the Beautiful Quarter.
Here’s a closer look:
- 1986 Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Commemorative Coins: These coins were issued to celebrate the centennial of the Statue of Liberty and recognize the importance of Ellis Island as a gateway for immigrants to America. The program included a clad half dollar, a silver dollar, and a gold half eagle.
– The silver dollar, [according to the U.S. Mint (.gov)] , depicts the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on the obverse and Liberty’s torch on the reverse. Surcharges from the sale of these coins helped fund restoration efforts for both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
- 2017 Ellis Island America the Beautiful Quarter: This quarter, part of the U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters Program, features a poignant scene on its reverse: an immigrant family approaching Ellis Island with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. The Ellis Island hospital is visible in the background. The coin also includes the inscriptions “ELLIS ISLAND,” “NEW JERSEY,” “2017,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.
You can find Ellis Island coins from various sources, including:
- The U.S. Mint: While commemorative coins are typically no longer sold directly by the U.S. Mint after a certain period, you can still find information about them and potentially purchase sets or individual coins from [their website].
- Coin dealers: Reputable coin dealers often carry commemorative and collectible coins. For example, [Littleton Coin Company] offers the 1986-S Statue of Liberty Silver Dollar Choice Proof.
- Online marketplaces: Websites like eBay and Amazon also have listings for Ellis Island coins.
- Specialty coin and collector stores: Stores like [Collectors Alliance] and [Arnold Coin Exchange] specialize in collectible coins and may carry Ellis Island coins.
- Condition and Grade: The value of a collectible coin is heavily influenced by its condition and grade. Graded coins with higher grades (e.g., Proof, Uncirculated) will typically be more valuable.
- Material: Silver coins, such as the 1986 Statue of Liberty Silver Dollar, are generally more valuable than clad coins (which are composed of a blend of metals). Some quarters were also produced in a silver variety as part of proof sets.
- Mint Mark: The mint mark indicates where the coin was minted. For example, “P” signifies the Philadelphia Mint, while “S” indicates the San Francisco Mint. Silver quarters will typically have an “S” mintmark.
- Original Packaging and Certificates: Coins that come in their original U.S. Mint packaging with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) can be more desirable for collectors.
How much is the Ellis Island quarter worth?
Varieties on the 2017 Ellis Island Quarter This coin was produced in a silver variety as part of proof sets. They are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. The average price of the single silver coin ranges from $5 to $10, depending on the grade.
What is the 1986 Ellis Island dollar coin?
The 1986 $1 Silver Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Commemorative Coin shows a well detailed image of the Statue of Liberty in the bay with Ellis Island situated behind it. On the reverse, there is a hand holding a torch with rays coming off of it. This coin was produced and designed by John Mercanti and Mathew Peloso.
Is a Liberty $1 coin worth anything?
From my experience, In fact, in some years the coins were only sold directly to collectors and dealers by The U.S. Mint. Despite their perhaps seemingly elusive nature, the vast majority of these coins are extremely common and still only worth their face value of one dollar.
Is my $1 dollar coin worth anything?
Great question! Modern dollar coin programs emphasize education, commemoration, and design innovation over circulation. While face value remains $1, collector versions in high grades can command $4-12 premiums, and special mint products offer additional collecting opportunities.