Today, Sept. 7, the United States Mint released the 2017-P Ellis Island Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin.
Each piece is composed of 5 ounces of 99.9% pure silver to a diameter of 3 inches. The coin is issued as part of the U.S. Mint’s America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin™ series.
Ellis Island coins feature a reverse (tails side) design emblematic of the New Jersey portion of the island (www.nps.gov/elis/). This site served as the processing center for millions of immigrants making their way to the United States.
Coin Designs
United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Barbara Fox designed the image found on coin’s reverse. It depicts a scene from Ellis Island’s past showing a family heading to the processing center. The site’s iconic hospital building appears in the background. U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill was charged with sculpting the design.
Of note, if the design looks familiar that is because it also appears on the related Ellis Island quarter. The 25-cent piece launched into circulation last week and is available in U.S. Mint rolls and bags, plus other collector products. (See photos of the quarter.)
The obverse (heads side) image is also a familiar one as it is the same portrait of George Washington that graces quarter dollars. The effigy by John Flanagan has seen some minor variations over the years but it has appeared on quarters since 1932.
A ‘P’ mintmark indicates the coin’s production at the U.S. Mint facility in Philadelphia.
Additional specifications for the five ounce coin are inscribed on the edge of each coin with "999 FINE SILVER 5.0 OUNCE."
Ordering
The 2017-P Ellis Island Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin is available from this U.S. Mint product page or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Mintage limit is 25,000. Current pricing of the coin is $149.95.
Series Background and Bullion Edition
America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coins debuted with five 2010-dated strikes and are issued as collector-grade versions of the U.S. Mint’s five ounce bullion series. These programs are based on the related quarter program which celebrates five different sites of national interest each year.
Similar to the uncirculated coin, the U.S. Mint struck counterpart Ozark Riverways bullion coins. They are produced for investors, sold through the Mint’s network of authorized purchasers, and are available from coin and precious metal dealers for a premium above their melt value.
These bullion pieces are produced to a brilliant finish at the Philadelphia Mint but they lack mintmarks. The Ellis Island bullion coin launched Sept. 28. The Mint made 40,000 and all were ordered within a week.
