2017-P Lincoln Penny Worth More Than You Think
The 2017-P Lincoln Shield Penny is worth anywhere from 1 cent in heavily circulated condition to $10 or more in pristine mint state grades — and a few exceptional examples have sold for significantly higher at auction. If you found one of these modern pennies in your pocket change or coin jar, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what it’s worth.
If you’re not sure which mint mark you’re looking at or want a fast identification, try using a free coin identifier app to scan your coin and get an instant read on its details before diving into the value breakdown below.
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What Is the 2017-P Lincoln Penny?
The 2017-P Lincoln penny was struck at the Philadelphia Mint — that’s what the “P” mint mark stands for. It’s part of the Lincoln Shield series, which has been running since 2010. The reverse design features a Union shield, symbolizing Lincoln’s preservation of the United States during the Civil War era. On the obverse, you’ll still see Victor David Brenner’s classic portrait of Abraham Lincoln, which has appeared on the penny since 1909.
In 2017, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 4.7 billion of these coins, making them extremely common in everyday circulation. Because of that high mintage, most circulated examples are worth exactly face value — one cent. However, condition is everything in coin collecting, and high-grade uncirculated examples can carry a real premium for collectors.
CoinKnow is a great tool for identifying and tracking coins like the 2017-P Lincoln penny. It lets you scan, catalog, and look up values all from your phone.
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2017-P Lincoln Penny Value by Grade
The value of any coin depends heavily on its condition, which is measured using the Sheldon grading scale from 1 to 70. Here’s a quick look at how the 2017-P Lincoln penny is valued across different grades:
| Grade | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (G–VF) | Worn, used in commerce | Face value ($0.01) |
| MS-63 RD | Uncirculated, some marks | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| MS-65 RD | Gem uncirculated | $1 – $3 |
| MS-67 RD | Superb gem, near perfect | $10 – $40+ |
| MS-68 RD | Finest known examples | $100+ |
For detailed, up-to-date auction records and population data, you can check out the latest 2017-P Lincoln penny price data by grade on CoinHix to see exactly what certified examples are fetching in today’s market.
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Are Any 2017-P Pennies Worth Big Money?
Most 2017-P pennies will never be worth more than a cent. But that doesn’t mean there are no exceptions. A coin’s value can spike significantly if it grades MS-67 or higher with a full Red designation, meaning its original copper luster is perfectly intact. At that level, collectors and registry set builders are willing to pay a real premium.
Beyond top-grade examples, error coins are the other big value driver. The 2017-P Lincoln penny has been found with a few notable errors including doubled die varieties, off-center strikes, and broadstrikes. Error pennies in high grades have sold for anywhere from $20 to several hundred dollars depending on the error type and severity. Always examine your coins under magnification — what looks ordinary might turn out to be something special.
For a thorough breakdown of what your specific 2017 penny might be worth, including error varieties and proof versions, the complete 2017 penny value guide at CoinValueApp covers all the details you need in one place.
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How to Tell If Your 2017-P Penny Is Uncirculated
One of the most common questions people have is whether their coin qualifies as uncirculated. Here’s a quick way to tell: hold your 2017-P penny under a light and tilt it gently. An uncirculated coin will have a bright, uniform luster that flows across the entire surface in a cartwheel pattern. Any flat, dull spots are signs of wear from circulation, and a worn coin drops straight back to face value.
Look specifically at Lincoln’s cheekbone and the high points of the shield design on the reverse. These areas wear first. If they look crisp, sharp, and shiny, you may have an uncirculated example worth keeping. If you want a professional opinion, coin grading services like PCGS or NGC can certify your coin — though for a common date like 2017-P, certification usually only makes financial sense for MS-67 and above.
CoinKnow can help you compare your coin’s appearance to graded examples in its database, making it easier to estimate your coin’s grade before spending money on professional certification.
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FAQ
Q: Is a 2017-P penny rare?
A: No, the 2017-P Lincoln penny is not rare. With over 4.7 billion minted, it’s one of the most common coins in circulation. However, high-grade examples (MS-67 and above) and error coins can be scarce and collectible.
Q: What does the “P” mean on a 2017 penny?
A: The “P” mint mark indicates the coin was produced at the Philadelphia Mint. Interestingly, Philadelphia pennies didn’t always carry a mint mark — the “P” was only added to pennies starting in 2017, making that year a minor milestone in U.S. cent history.
Q: Should I clean my 2017-P penny to make it worth more?
A: Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even gently — removes its original surface and destroys its numismatic value. A cleaned coin will always be worth less than an unclean one of the same grade. Leave your coins exactly as you find them.
