The 2017-P Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from its face value of $1 in worn condition to over $1,500 in high-grade mint state. While most of these pennies found in your pocket change are only worth one cent, certain rare specimens and specific error types can command high prices from collectors.
The Unique History of the 2017-P Lincoln Penny
If you look closely at a shiny copper penny from 2017, you might notice something unusual near the date. For the first time in history, the United States Mint added a “P” mint mark to the Lincoln cent to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the Mint’s establishment in Philadelphia. Usually, pennies struck in Philadelphia bear no mint mark at all, leaving a blank space where the ‘D’ (Denver) or ‘S’ (San Francisco) would normally sit. This one-year-only design change makes the 2017-P a favorite for hobbyists.
Finding one of these in your spare change is common, but identifying a gem-quality version is the real challenge. Many people use a top coin identifier app to quickly check if the specific coin they found has the “P” mark and what its current market standing might be. Because billions were produced, only those in nearly flawless condition or those possessing rare striking errors carry a significant premium over their face value.
If you are curious about the technical aspects of your change, the CoinHix app can help you distinguish between a standard strike and a potential high-value specimen. The 2017-P Lincoln Penny features the classic Victor David Brenner portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the Union Shield on the reverse, a design that has been standard since 2010.
Current Market Value and Pricing Tiers
The value of a 2017-P penny is heavily dependent on its “grade,” which is a professional assessment of its condition. Most coins found in circulation are considered “Brown” (BN) or “Red-Brown” (RB) and represent the vast majority of the population. However, collectors hunt for “Red” (RD) coins that still retain their original mint luster.
To help you understand the market, you can look at the 2017-P Lincoln Penny value chart for high grades. For instance, a coin graded MS67 (Mint State 67) might sell for $20 to $50, but as you climb to MS68 or MS69, the price exponentially increases because so few coins survive the high-speed minting process without tiny scratches or “bag marks.”
Below is a breakdown of what you can expect your 2017-P penny to be worth based on its condition. Remember that these prices reflect professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Pocket Change) | $0.01 (Face Value) |
| Uncirculated MS63 (Red) | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| GEM Uncirculated MS65 (Red) | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| Superb GEM MS67 (Red) | $25.00 – $60.00 |
| Elite Grade MS69 (Red) | $500.00 – $1,500.00+ |
Valuable Errors to Look For in 2017-P Pennies
While condition is vital, many “everyday” Americans find value through minting errors. These are mistakes made during the manufacturing process at the Philadelphia Mint. One of the most common things to look for is “doubled die” errors, although no major doubled die has been officially recognized for the 2017-P yet. Instead, look for “die cracks” or “cuds,” which appear as raised blobs of metal on the surface of the coin.
Another error to check for is the “off-center strike.” This occurs when the coin blank isn’t properly aligned with the dies. An off-center strike that shows both the 2017 date and the “P” mint mark can be worth $50 to $100 to the right collector. If you discover a coin that looks “weird” or “different,” utilizing the CoinHix tool can provide instant image recognition to help you determine if it’s a valuable error or just damage.
For a more detailed list of what makes this specific year special, you can view the detailed 2017 penny value and error guide. Knowing the difference between a mechanical error and a true hub doubling error can be the difference between a one-cent coin and a fifty-dollar find.
Tips for Preserving and Selling Your 2017 Penny
If you happen to find a particularly shiny 2017-P penny that looks like it just came out of a roll, your first instinct might be to clean it. Do not do this! Cleaning a coin with chemicals or even a soft cloth can leave microscopic scratches that destroy its numismatic value. Professional collectors prefer coins with original surfaces, even if they have some natural toning.
To maintain its value, store your penny in a PVC-free plastic flip or a specialized coin album. Exposure to air and humidity will turn a “Red” penny into a “Brown” penny over time, significantly lowering its market price. Many users of CoinHix keep a digital inventory of their collection to track how market prices fluctuate over time.
When you are ready to sell, consider reaching out to local coin shops or listing the coin on reputable auction sites. For high-value coins (those you suspect are MS67 or higher), it may be worth paying for professional grading to “lock in” the value and prove the coin’s authenticity to potential buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my 2017 penny have a P on it?
A: The “P” mint mark was added in 2017 to honor the 225th anniversary of the Philadelphia Mint. It is the only year in the history of the Lincoln penny where the Philadelphia Mint explicitly placed its mark on the cent.
Q: Are all 2017-P pennies valuable?
A: No, the vast majority are only worth face value ($0.01). Only those in near-perfect condition (graded MS67 or higher) or those with significant minting errors are worth more than a few cents.
Q: Is there a 2017-P Doubled Die penny?
A: While collectors have found minor “incuse” doubling on the reverse (the shield side), there are currently no major, high-value doubled die varieties recognized by major grading services for the 2017-P.
Q: Where can I sell my 2017-P penny if it’s valuable?
A: You can sell valuable pennies at local coin dealerships, through online auctions like eBay, or at major numismatic auction houses like Heritage Auctions if the coin is extremely high-grade.
