Ellis Island Quarter Launch Ceremony Highlights

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On Wednesday, Aug. 30, quarters honoring Ellis Island in New Jersey were formerly introduced to the public.

Todd Baldau and John Hnedak
Todd Baldau, Senior Advisor, United States Mint, presents Ellis Island quarters struck on the first day of production to Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Deputy Superintendent John Hnedak during the Aug 30, 2017 launch ceremony in New Jersey. The coin is the 39th release in the United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

Officials from the United States Mint and National Park Service hosted the quarter’s release ceremony on the island where more than 12 million immigrants were processed from 1892 to 1954.

"This new coin not only honors the unique history of the largest and most active immigration station in the United States, but also the spirit and determination of the millions of people seeking a better life in America," said Todd Baldau, senior advisor to the Acting Deputy Director of the Mint.

Around 350 people attended the event, including approximately 30 children who received an Ellis Island quarter for free, with hundreds more visitors to the island passing through and learning about the new coin.

Kids with Ellis Island quarters
Kids proudly hold their new Ellis Island quarters. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

Crowd at Ellis Island quarter ceremony
A crowd of about 350 people witnesses the Aug 30, 2017, ceremonial launch of the Ellis Island quarter in New Jersey. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

The quarter’s reverse design depicts an immigrant family approaching Ellis Island with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. The hospital building on the New Jersey portion of Ellis Island is visible in the background.

2017-P Uncirculated Ellis Island Quarter Obverse and Reverse
CoinNews photos of a 2017-P Uncirculated Ellis Island Quarter – Obverse and Reverse

One of the hospital buildings on Ellis Island in New Jersey. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.
One of the hospital buildings on Ellis Island in New Jersey. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

In addition to U.S. Mint officials, participants in the celebration included Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island Deputy Superintendent John Hnedak, who read a letter from New Jersey governor Chris Christie; Projects Director Zach McCue, who represented U.S. Senator Cory Booker; Communications Director Erica Daughtrey, who represented U.S. Congressman Albio Sires; and Janis Calella, president of Save Ellis Island, Inc.

Dave Krolak
Dave Krolak served as Master of Ceremonies during the quarter launch. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

Janis Calella, Todd Baldau and John Hnedak
Save Ellis Island, Inc. President Janis Calella, United States Mint Plant Senior Advisor Todd Baldau, and Ellis Island Deputy Superintendent John Hnedak participate in the ceremonial coin pour during the quarter ceremony. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

The National Park Police Honor Guard presented the colors during the ceremony. Local high school student Catie O’Neill sang the National Anthem. The quarter’s designer, Barbara Fox, was also on hand and recognized. She signed rolls of quarters.

National Park Police Honor Guard
The National Park Police Honor Guard presents the colors during the Ellis Island quarter ceremony in New Jersey. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.
Catie O’Neill sings the National Anthem
Local high school student Catie O’Neill sings the National Anthem during the quarter event. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.
Artist Barbara Fox
Artist Barbara Fox, designer of the Ellis Island quarter, signs rolls of quarters after the Aug 30 ceremonial launch event. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

Bank of America sponsored a coin exchange that followed the ceremony. The bank exchanged about $18,500 in Philadelphia Mint-struck quarters.

Ellis Island quarter exchange
A line of people wait to exchange cash for rolls of Ellis Island quarters. U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike.

Another highlight for 25 collectors and local enthusiasts was a coin forum held shortly after the event where attendees listened to and asked questions of U.S. Mint officials.

Ellis Island quarters started entering circulation on Monday, Aug. 28. On the same day, the U.S. Mint released Ellis Island quarters in rolls and bags. Available options include coins produced at the San Francisco, Denver and Philadelphia Mints at prices that range from $18.95 to $46.95. (See more photos of the quarter.)

Photos of 2017 Ellis Island Quarters
CoinNews photos of 2017 Ellis Island Quarters

The U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Quarters® Program was introduced in 2010 and will celebrate 56 national parks and other sites through 2021. The Ellis Island quarter is the 39th released and the fourth of five unique quarter designs for 2017.

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Joe Brown

i said something about our flag on this coin, it was 1/2 ass, because of no stars*, i was not looking at the whole picture, it’s a nice coin, it be nicer if whole building was in picture. I like it throw.

Joe Brown

Whats most important is its Ellis Island, that 12,0000, had a big hand putting our country together, its a gift that keeps giving.