2017-P Lincoln Penny Value: Most Recent Auction Prices

The 2017-P Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from $0.01 in circulated condition to over $150 in high-grade mint state. While most of these coins in your pocket change are only worth face value, certain flawless specimens and rare errors can command a surprisingly high premium among collectors.

Condition Grade	Estimated Market Value
Circulated (F-AU)	$0.01
Uncirculated (MS63-MS65)	$0.10 – $1.00
High Mint State (MS67)	$15 – $35
Superb Gem (MS68+)	$150+

What Makes the 2017-P Lincoln Penny Special?

If you look closely at the date on a 2017 penny found in your change, you might notice a small “P” mint mark stamped just beneath it. For most Americans, this might seem like a standard feature, but for numismatists, it was a historic first.

Before 2017, the Philadelphia Mint did not include a “P” mint mark on the Lincoln cent. To celebrate the 225th anniversary of the United States Mint, officials decided to add the mark as a one-year-only tribute. To check if your specific coin has this historic mark or any valuable errors, you can use a top coin identifier and value app to get an instant appraisal.

Because billions of these coins were minted, the vast majority are not rare. However, the novelty of the “P” mark means that many people tucked them away in jars and collections. By using the CoinKnow app, you can easily distinguish between a common pocket change find and a high-grade specimen worth grading.

Every coin tells a story, and the 2017-P represents a break from a century-long tradition. Typically, the absence of a mint mark indicates Philadelphia, but for this year alone, the “P” was proudly displayed.

Determining the 2017-P Penny Value by Grade

When assessing the value of your 2017-P penny, the “grade” or physical condition is the most important factor. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. A coin that has been jingling in your pocket for years is considered “circulated” and is likely only worth its face value of one cent.

However, collectors are always on the hunt for “Red” (RD) specimens. These are coins that retain their original copper luster and haven’t oxidized or turned brown. A flawless 2017-P penny in a high state of preservation can be worth a significant amount.

For example, the 2017-P Lincoln Penny MS67 RD price reflects a coin that looks exactly as it did the day it was struck. If you find one in a mint set or a fresh roll, it could be worth more than a few cents.

MS Grade (Red)	Estimated Price
MS64 RD	$0.25
MS65 RD	$1.00
MS66 RD	$5.00
MS67 RD	$25.00
MS68 RD	$150.00+

Identifying Rare 2017-P Lincoln Penny Errors

While condition is vital, errors are where the real “hidden treasure” lies. Some 2017-P pennies were struck with imperfections that make them highly desirable to specialists. Common errors for modern pennies include “Double Dies” or “Off-Center Strikes.”

A double die error occurs when the hub strikes the die twice at slightly different angles, creating a blurred or doubled appearance on the lettering or the “P” mint mark. If you suspect your coin has a strange doubling effect, CoinKnow can help you compare it to known error catalogs.

Off-center strikes happen when the coin blank isn’t properly aligned. A 2017-P penny that is 10% to 50% off-center can sell for $20 to $100 depending on how much of the date and the “P” mark are still visible.

Always check the details under a magnifying glass. Even small imperfections can turn a common cent into a collector’s item worth dozens of dollars. For more detailed statistics, you can check the 2017-P Lincoln Penny auction records to see what similar error coins have sold for recently.

The “P” Mint Mark History and Appeal

For 124 years, the Lincoln cent was struck in Philadelphia without a mint mark. The decision to include one in 2017 was a major event in the numismatic world. The “P” represents the pride of the oldest mint facility in the United States.

Collectors often attempt to build “complete” sets of Lincoln cents. Because the 2017-P is a “subset” of one, it is a mandatory addition for anyone trying to own every version of the Shield Penny design. This constant demand helps maintain the value of high-grade examples.

If you are a casual hunter, look for coins that have absolutely no scratches or fingerprints. The copper-zinc composition of modern pennies is very sensitive. Fingers leave oils that lead to spotting, which can plummet the value from $20 down to $0.01 instantly.

Interestingly, the mint mark was removed again in 2018, making the 2017-P a unique anomaly in your pocket change. This short-lived change makes it a perfect “conversation piece” for new collectors.

Composition and Specifications of the 2017 Penny

Understanding what your coin is made of can also give you insight into its durability and potential for value. Like all modern pennies since 1982, the 2017-P is primarily made of zinc with a thin plating of copper.

This composition is different from the pre-1982 “copper pennies” which were 95% copper. Because they are mostly zinc, they are lighter and more prone to “zinc rot” or corrosion if they get wet.

Feature	Details
Weight	2.50 grams
Diameter	19.05 mm
Composition	97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper
Edge	Plain

If you find a 2017-P penny that weighs significantly more or less than 2.5 grams, it could be a “wrong planchet” error, which would be extremely valuable. Using CoinKnow to track your finds can help you stay organized as you hunt for these anomalies.

Tips for Selling Your 2017-P Lincoln Penny

If you believe you have found a high-value 2017-P penny, the next step is knowing how to sell it. Most local coin shops won’t buy single modern pennies unless they are professionally graded by services like PCGS or NGC.

Grading costs money (usually between $20 and $40 per coin), so you should only send in coins that are likely to grade MS67 or higher. If your coin is just a regular circulated 2017-P, it is best kept as a fun memento or spent at the grocery store.

For those with rare errors, online auction sites like eBay are the best marketplace. Ensure you take high-resolution photos in natural light so buyers can clearly see the “P” mint mark and the condition of the surfaces.

Finally, always keep your pennies in “non-PVC” flips or plastic holders. Keeping them loose in a jar will cause small scratches that will lower the grade and the potential price you could receive from a collector.

FAQ

Q: Why does my 2017 penny have a “P” on it?

A: The “P” mint mark was added to Philadelphia-minted pennies for the first time in history in 2017 to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Mint. It is the only year the Lincoln penny has ever featured this mark.

Q: Is a 2017-P penny rare?

A: Overall, no. Over 4 billion were produced. However, coins in “Mint State 68” or higher condition are considered very rare and are worth significantly more than their face value.

Q: How can I tell if my 2017-P penny is an error coin?

A: Look for features such as doubling in the letters “LIBERTY” or the date, or check if the design is off-center. You can use the CoinKnow app to identify specific known error patterns.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 2017-P penny?

A: While prices fluctuate, high-grade MS69 specimens have been known to sell for several hundred dollars at professional auctions. Most common versions are only worth 1 cent.

Q: Should I clean my 2017-P penny to make it look better?

A: Never clean your coins! Cleaning removes the original mint luster and creates microscopic scratches that will significantly reduce the coin’s value to collectors. Just store it in a cool, dry place.