2017-D Lincoln Penny Value Guide What Is It Worth and Why
The 2017-D Lincoln Penny is worth face value in average circulated condition, but well-preserved specimens graded MS-65 or higher can fetch anywhere from $1 to over $10, with top-grade examples occasionally reaching $50 or more at auction.
If you found a 2017-D penny in your change jar or inherited a coin collection, you’re probably wondering whether it’s worth holding onto. The good news is that modern Lincoln pennies are easy to research, and even beginners can figure out their coin’s value quickly. A great starting point is downloading a free coin identifier app that can help you identify the coin, read its mint mark, and get a baseline estimate — all from your smartphone camera.
What Does the “D” Mint Mark Mean on a 2017 Penny?
The small “D” you see just below the date on your penny stands for Denver — that’s where the coin was struck at the United States Mint. In 2017, the Denver Mint produced an enormous quantity of Lincoln cents for general circulation. In fact, more than 4.8 billion 2017-D pennies were made that year, making them one of the most common modern coins in existence.
Because so many were produced, the vast majority of 2017-D pennies that have been in circulation hold no premium above their one-cent face value. Coins that have been handled, spent, or stored loosely with other change typically show wear and lose their original mint luster — and that’s what drives value down. That said, uncirculated examples pulled directly from mint rolls or original packaging can still carry a modest collector premium. If you’re unsure what condition your coin is in, CoinKnow offers a simple grading guide right inside the app that walks you through what to look for.
2017-D Lincoln Penny Value by Condition
Coin value is heavily tied to grade — a standardized score based on how well-preserved the coin is. Here’s a breakdown of typical values for the 2017-D Lincoln penny across different grades:
| Grade | Condition Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (F-EF) | Worn, details still visible | Face value ($0.01) |
| MS-63 | Uncirculated, minor marks | $0.25 – $1 |
| MS-65 Red | Gem uncirculated, full luster | $2 – $10 |
| MS-67 Red | Superb gem, near perfect | $15 – $50+ |
| MS-68 Red | Near flawless, auction-level | $100+ |
For more detailed price breakdowns by grade and designation, check out this comprehensive Lincoln penny price data including MS-RD grades and auction results to see how recent sales have trended.
The Design: Lincoln Memorial Shield Reverse
The 2017-D penny features the iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse — a design first introduced in 1909 and updated slightly over the decades. On the reverse, you’ll find the Union Shield design, which has been used on Lincoln cents since 2010. The shield features thirteen vertical stripes representing the original colonies, topped by a horizontal bar reading “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
This design was created by sculptor Lyndall Bass and is considered a dignified, historically meaningful image. While it’s not the most glamorous penny reverse in history, collectors who appreciate modern U.S. coinage often pursue high-grade examples for type sets. Because the design is relatively recent, finding a pristine, unhandled example isn’t impossible — but those MS-68 Red coins are genuinely rare, which is why they command real money.
Are Any 2017-D Pennies Worth More Than Usual?
Yes — but only under specific circumstances. Error coins and varieties are where everyday finders strike gold. Some things to look for include:
– Doubled die obverse or reverse – Look for doubling in the lettering or date
– Off-center strikes – Part of the design is missing because the blank wasn’t centered properly
– Die cap errors – Caused by a coin sticking to a die during striking
– Missing clad layer or wrong planchet – Rare but documented
Most 2017-D pennies won’t show any of these errors, but it only takes a few seconds to check. Use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to inspect the lettering and Lincoln’s portrait carefully. If something looks unusual, CoinKnow lets you photograph and document potential errors so you can compare them to known varieties in its growing database.
For a full look at 2017 penny values across both the Philadelphia and Denver issues, this detailed 2017 penny value guide covering mint state and circulated examples is an excellent resource for collectors at any level.
How to Get the Best Price If You Want to Sell
If you believe you have a high-grade or error 2017-D penny worth pursuing, professional grading is your best friend. Companies like PCGS or NGC will encapsulate and certify your coin, which dramatically increases buyer confidence — and price. Graded coins in slabs consistently sell for more than raw, ungraded coins of the same quality.
Once certified, you can sell through eBay, Heritage Auctions, or coin shows. For more common examples in lower grades, don’t bother spending money on grading — the cost won’t be worth the return. Instead, build a roll of uncirculated examples and sell them together as a lot.
—
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a 2017-D penny worth keeping?
A: If it’s in average circulated condition, it’s worth face value. However, if it’s uncirculated with original red luster, it’s worth saving — especially if it grades MS-65 or higher. Error coins are always worth holding onto for further research.
Q: How do I know if my 2017-D penny is uncirculated?
A: An uncirculated penny will have its original mint shine (called “luster”) intact, with no flat worn spots on Lincoln’s cheekbone or the high points of the design. Under a loupe, the surface should look frosty or brilliant rather than dull.
Q: Where can I find the current market value for my 2017-D Lincoln penny?
A: Check recent sold listings on eBay for the most up-to-date real-world prices. You can also use CoinKnow to get current valuations, compare grades, and track how the market shifts over time — all in one place.
