2017 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth

2017 Nickel value ranges from $0.05 face value to $800. That record was a Grade 68 example sold through EA Auctions in March 2021 — a high-grade coin that pulled strong money just a few years after it left the mint. Upload a photo of yours below to get a quick value range on your coin. Then scroll down to see what 2017 Nickels are going for on eBay today.

 

2017 Nickel Value By Variety: Full Price Chart

This chart displays the values of 2017 nickels in different mint marks and conditions, ranging from circulated grades (Good, Fine) to uncirculated and proof grades (AU, MS, PR).

If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)

 

Top 5 Most Valuable 2017 Nickel Worth Money

This chart reveals something striking: condition grade has an almost exponential impact on value. A 2017-D graded MS68 commands $800, while the same Denver coin at MS67 drops to $450 or even $60 — one grading point can mean hundreds of dollars.

Denver mint nickels dominate the top tier, occupying three of the five positions. PCGS CoinFacts notes that 2017-D examples are very common up to MS67, with only MS67+ or higher appearing genuinely scarce — which is exactly where the big premiums begin.

The San Francisco proof in PR70 grade ($150) outperforms a Philadelphia MS67 ($114), showing that perfect-grade proofs hold solid premiums. However, they remain well below the record-setting Denver business strikes at the top of the market.

 

2017 Nickel Value History: Why This Year Matters

The Jefferson nickel was first introduced in 1938 after a public design competition that attracted 390 entries. Sculptor Felix Schlag won the $1,000 prize — equivalent to roughly $18,000 today — with his portrait of Thomas Jefferson.

The design ran essentially unchanged until 2004, when the Westward Journey commemorative series celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. After that two-year detour, the Mint introduced a modernized redesign in 2006. Artist Jamie Franki updated Jefferson’s portrait to a forward-facing stance, making it the first circulating U.S. coin to show a president facing the viewer directly.

The 2017 nickel continued this post-2006 design, which was already over a decade old. This matters for collectors because the relief reduction that happened in the late 1980s actually improved striking consistency — making Full Steps designations more achievable on modern issues than on many mid-20th-century coins.

The year 2017 itself sat at an interesting crossroads for physical currency. Smartphone payment apps, contactless cards, and early cryptocurrency discussions were reshaping how Americans thought about money. Yet over 1.37 billion nickels were still minted that year across two facilities — a reminder that physical coinage remained deeply embedded in everyday commerce.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money

 

Is Your 2017 Nickel Rare?

The Coin Identifier and Value App lets you instantly scan and identify rare 2017 nickel varieties, check real-time market values, and uncover potential treasures hiding in your collection. Get accurate grading insights and pricing data right from your smartphone.

 

Key Features Of The 2017 Nickel (Design & Specs)

This section examines the coin’s obverse and reverse designs, along with its technical specifications, providing collectors with essential knowledge for proper identification and grading. These features distinguish the modern Jefferson nickel from earlier versions and reveal the craftsmanship involved in contemporary U.S. coinage.

The Obverse Of The 2017 Nickel

The obverse of the 2017 nickel features a forward-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson designed by Jamie Franki, used on all nickels since 2006. This design was a deliberate departure from the traditional side-profile portraits seen on American coinage for over 150 years.

The portrait is based on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 painting, capturing Jefferson at age 57 during his time as Vice President. The word “LIBERTY” appears in a style modeled on Jefferson’s own handwriting, positioned to the right above the date, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on the left side.

The year “2017” is placed below Jefferson’s portrait, with the mint mark directly beneath the date when present — “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco. You will also notice the letters “FS” below Jefferson’s bust, but these stand for Felix Schlag (the original designer), not Full Steps — a common point of confusion for newer collectors.

The Reverse Of The 2017 Nickel

The reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia estate, in a frontal perspective originally designed by Felix Schlag and updated with enhanced detail by engraver John Mercanti in 2006. The updated version shows noticeably sharper architectural detail than the original 1938 design, including improved definition in the dome, balconies, and window features.

“E PLURIBUS UNUM” (meaning “out of many, one”) arcs across the top, while “FIVE CENTS” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” complete the lower inscription. The most important area for collectors is the staircase at the base of Monticello’s portico — this is where the Full Steps (FS) designation is earned or lost.

A coin qualifies for the FS designation when the horizontal step lines are completely uninterrupted from left to right. NGC splits the designation into 5FS (five complete steps visible) and 6FS (all six steps fully visible), while PCGS uses a single “FS” label for either. A single scratch, gouge, or strike weakness cutting across any step disqualifies the coin entirely.

Other Features Of The 2017 Nickel

The 2017 nickel maintains the standard specifications of the modern Jefferson nickel series. Each coin weighs exactly 5 grams with a diameter of 21.2 millimeters and a thickness of 1.95 millimeters, and the edge is completely smooth with no reeding.

The composition is 75% copper and 25% nickel — giving the coin its characteristic silver appearance despite containing zero actual silver. This copper-nickel alloy has been standard since 1946, when the wartime silver composition (35% silver, used from 1942–1945) was discontinued after World War II ended.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Nickels Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

2017 Nickel Value By Mintage & Survival Data

The 2017 nickel production shows Philadelphia edging out Denver — 710,160,000 versus 663,120,000 business strikes, a difference of about 47 million coins. Both represent enormous outputs, and together they pushed total 2017 nickel production past 1.37 billion pieces before counting proofs.

The San Francisco proof mintage of 979,477 pieces represents just 0.07% of that total, and these Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimens were struck exclusively for collectors in specially packaged proof sets. They never entered circulation, which explains both their higher price floor and their extremely high survival rate — well above 95%, since most were stored carefully from the day they were purchased.

Survival data for Philadelphia and Denver coins is practically impossible to track. Over a billion coins have dispersed into commerce over nearly a decade, with an unknown number lost, damaged, worn smooth, or still circulating in piggy banks and car cup holders across the country.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2017 Nickel Value

Let’s be honest — figuring out your 2017 nickel’s value on your own can be frustrating. You’d need to identify the mint mark under magnification, learn the difference between 5FS and 6FS grading standards, research Proof-Like surface quality, compare recent auction prices, and spot valuable errors you’ve probably never seen before. That’s hours of work for just one coin.

The Coin Identifier and Value App does all of this in seconds. Just take a quick photo, and it handles the detective work — identifying varieties, grading condition, and showing real market values instantly. Why struggle when technology can give you expert-level answers right from your phone?

 

2017 Nickel Value Guides By Mint

The 2017-P and 2017-D Jefferson Nickels were produced for general circulation at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. These coins are very common in mint state condition, though high-grade Full Steps examples are genuinely scarce.

The 2017-S DCAM represents the proof version struck at San Francisco. DCAM — Deep Cameo — designates proof coins featuring deeply frosted devices (raised design elements) with strong contrast against mirror-polished fields, creating a dramatic “black and white” visual effect.

• 2017-P Nickel
• 2017-D Nickel
• 2017-S DCAM Nickel

 

2017-P Nickel Value: Philadelphia Mint Guide

The 2017-P Jefferson Nickel saw massive production with over 710 million pieces struck at the Philadelphia Mint, making examples readily available at every grade level up to MS66. Finding an attractive MS66 example from a bank roll or mint set is genuinely achievable, but MS67 and above represent a different story entirely.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, Philadelphia examples are much scarcer at MS67 and virtually rare at MS68 or higher. This is the point where professional certification through PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) becomes worthwhile — without a slab, buyers simply won’t pay the premium.

The Full Steps (FS) designation — meaning Monticello’s six staircase lines are completely uninterrupted — separates the truly exceptional strikes from the ordinary. A 2017-P in MS67 FS is valued around $65, and the all-time auction record for this variety stands at $2,520 for a PCGS MS70 FS specimen sold on eBay in October 2018. A certified Full Steps coin can be worth 3 to 10 times more than a non-FS example at the same grade — a premium that makes hunting for them worthwhile.

The market activity data in the following chart shows that the popularity of this coin exhibits distinct periodic characteristics:

 

2017-D Nickel Value: Denver Mint Guide

The 2017-D Nickel reflects its massive production reality: Denver struck over 663 million pieces, leaving circulated and typical uncirculated examples worth between $0.30 and $1. PCGS CoinFacts confirms that this date is very common through MS67, with only MS67+ or higher appearing genuinely scarce to rare.

This is important context for collectors — Denver mint examples dominate the top tier of 2017 nickel values precisely because the highest grades are so hard to achieve despite the enormous mintage. A 2017-D in MS67+ FS achieved $450 in market transactions, and an MS68 example reached $800.

The Full Steps designation matters here too. NGC splits this into two tiers: 5FS (five uninterrupted steps) and 6FS (all six steps fully visible). A 6FS coin will always command more than a 5FS at the same numerical grade. PCGS uses a single “FS” label and does not make this distinction on the slab itself, so buyers purchasing PCGS-certified coins should verify visually which tier their coin meets.

We have visualized market data from the past few years, as shown below:

 

2017-S DCAM Nickel Value: San Francisco Proof Guide

The San Francisco Mint struck 979,477 proof nickels in 2017, all of them destined for collector sets rather than general circulation. What makes the 2017-S DCAM special is not rarity in the traditional sense — almost all of them survived, since collectors stored them carefully — but rather the stunning visual quality inherent in the Deep Cameo finish.

Deep Cameo (DCAM) means the raised design elements (devices) have a frosted, matte-like texture, while the background fields are mirror-polished to a glass-like finish. This contrast creates the crisp “black and white” effect that proof specialists prize. The DCAM standard has been perfected by the San Francisco Mint since the late 1970s, and modern examples consistently achieve this finish.

Unlike business strikes, proof coins are struck two or more times with specially prepared dies and polished planchets, which is why they’re expected to show full step detail without needing a separate FS designation. A flawless PR70 DCAM specimen sold for $150 at a January 2022 eBay auction. At that price point, the 2017-S DCAM remains one of the most accessible proof nickels in the entire Jefferson series.

Collector enthusiasm for this San Francisco proof coin remains consistently steady, reflecting its accessibility and visual appeal in the modern nickel market.

Also Read: 22 Rare Nickel Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 2017 Nickel Error List: What to Look For

Error coins from 2017 represent genuine minting anomalies that capture collector interest well beyond standard strikes. While modern quality control has dramatically reduced error frequency compared to earlier decades, certain varieties still escape detection at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco facilities and find their way into circulation.

1. Off-Center Strike

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet fails to align properly between the dies during the striking process, resulting in a partial blank area on the finished coin. You’ll see an unstruck crescent-shaped zone contrasting sharply against the struck portion — it’s immediately obvious.

Formation stems from worn collar mechanisms or feeding malfunctions in high-speed coining presses. Severity ranges from minor 5% shifts to dramatic 50%+ displacements, and collectors strongly prefer examples where the date remains fully visible despite the shift.

Moderate off-center strikes (10–25%) from 2017 typically trade between $25–$75. In 2020, a 2017-D nickel graded MS62 with a 15% off-center strike sold for $220 at an eBay auction, showing that dramatic, documented examples can fetch strong prices.

2. Broadstrike

Broadstrikes result from coins struck outside the retaining collar, allowing metal to spread beyond normal diameter specifications during the impact. The finished coin is oversized and thinner than normal, with undefined edges lacking the standard rim.

This malfunction happens when the collar fails to rise properly or becomes jammed during the striking sequence. Recognition features include a noticeably larger diameter (approximately 22–23mm versus the standard 21.20mm) and absent rim, with design elements appearing stretched toward the edges.

In 2018, a 2017-P nickel graded MS64 with a broadstrike and off-center error combination sold for $75 at auction. Sharp examples without contact marks in MS64 or better command premiums, with well-centered 2017 broadstrikes valued between $40–$150 depending on eye appeal.

3. Clipped Planchet

Clipped planchets occur when blank punching presses cut new planchets overlapping previously punched areas, removing a curved section from the edge. The missing segment — ranging from small 5% clips to dramatic 25%+ crescents — clearly reflects the circular shape of the punching die.

Formation happens during the blanking process before striking, when planchet strips aren’t properly advanced between punches. The key identification feature is a smooth, curved indentation in the coin’s circular outline — this distinguishes it from post-mint damage, which leaves rough, irregular edges.

Small 2017 clips in MS62+ condition typically sell for $20–$60. Large, well-centered examples showing complete dates and major design elements can command $75–$200.

4. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

The Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) is one of the most sought-after varieties in any coin series, and 2017 nickels are no exception. A DDO occurs during die production — when the hub (the master tool that creates the die) impresses the design onto the working die at a slightly different angle on a second or subsequent impression, the die itself carries a permanent doubled image.

Every coin struck from that flawed die will show identical doubling, which is how you distinguish a true DDO from “machine doubling” — a common look-alike with zero collector value that produces flat, shelf-like doubled areas rather than rounded, distinct secondary images.

On 2017 nickels, look for clear doubling on the word “LIBERTY,” the date, and details on Jefferson’s portrait. A 2017-D Jefferson nickel with a confirmed DDO sold for $80 at a 2020 Heritage Auctions sale, with strong, highly visible examples capable of reaching $100–$150.

5. Grease Struck-Through

Grease struck-through errors occur when lubricant builds up in the recesses of a die, blocking the metal from flowing properly into those areas during the strike. The result is a coin with areas that appear weak, mushy, or entirely missing — as if the design faded away in patches.

These errors are more common than dramatic strikes or clipped planchets, but the most visually impressive examples still attract real collector interest. Heavy grease accumulation can create near-ghost coins where portions of Jefferson’s portrait or the Monticello barely register.

Heritage Auctions sold a 2017-P nickel graded MS61 with a grease struck-through error for $132 in 2019. Dramatic examples showing significant detail loss typically bring $75–$150 depending on which design elements are affected.

6. Die Crack

Die cracks form when stress fractures develop on the die surface after tens of thousands — or hundreds of thousands — of strikes. Metal flows into these cracks during subsequent strikes, leaving raised, irregular lines on every coin produced from that point forward.

True die cracks appear as slightly elevated raised lines that run across the coin’s design. They feel different from scratches (which are incuse, meaning they cut into the surface) and should be consistent across multiple coins from the same die. A die crack on Jefferson’s cheek area creates what collectors call a “scarface nickel” — a pop-culture reference that adds novelty value.

A 2017-P nickel graded MS60 with a prominent die crack sold for $85 at a 2019 Heritage Auctions sale. Coins with extensive or uniquely positioned cracks can bring $50–$100 or more.

 

Where To Sell Your 2017 Nickel?

So your 2017 nickels have real value — now what? The gap between knowing a coin’s worth and successfully selling it can be frustrating. I’ve done the legwork for you, identifying the most effective online marketplaces for moving 2017 nickels, whether you’re selling a single error coin or an entire proof set, with honest assessments of each platform’s pros and cons.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

2017 Nickel Value Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About The 2017 Nickel Value

1. How much is a 2017 nickel worth in 2025?

Most 2017 nickels in circulation are worth face value — 5 cents. In uncirculated (MS) condition, a standard 2017-P is valued around $1.74 and a 2017-D around $4.26. Full Steps (FS) varieties add significant premiums: the 2017-D FS PL (Proof-Like) reaches $24.36. High-grade examples are worth far more — a 2017-D MS68 has sold for $800, and the all-time record for a 2017-P MS70 FS stands at $2,520 from an October 2018 eBay sale. The 2017-S DCAM proof is valued around $12–$150 depending on grade.

2. What makes a 2017 nickel valuable?

Three factors drive value above face value: condition grade (uncirculated MS grades), Full Steps (FS) designation, and mint mark. The FS designation — meaning Monticello’s staircase lines are completely uninterrupted — can increase a coin’s value 3 to 10 times compared to a non-FS coin at the same grade. NGC splits this further into 5FS (five complete steps) and 6FS (all six steps), with 6FS commanding higher prices. Proof-Like (PL) surfaces on business strike coins add another premium layer. Error coins with dramatic, documentable flaws command the highest premiums of all.

3. Are 2017 nickels still in circulation?

Yes, 2017 nickels remain abundant in active circulation. The combined Philadelphia and Denver mintage exceeded 1.37 billion pieces, making them easy to find in pocket change, bank rolls, or coin jars. Circulated examples have no collector premium. Bank rolls are actually one of the best ways to search for high-grade examples, since coins that avoided circulation have the best chance of carrying the Full Steps detail collectors prize. The 2017-S proof nickels were sold only in special collector sets and have never circulated.

4. What is the difference between 5FS and 6FS on a 2017 nickel?

NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) began awarding separate 5FS and 6FS designations in 2004. A 5FS coin has five fully uninterrupted horizontal step lines at the base of Monticello’s portico. A 6FS coin has all six steps completely visible without a single break or weakness. A 6FS example is rarer and commands a higher price than a 5FS at the same numerical grade. PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) uses only a single “FS” designation and does not distinguish between five and six steps on the slab label, so buyers should inspect PCGS-certified coins visually to determine which tier they meet.

5. How do I tell a genuine doubled die (DDO) from machine doubling on a 2017 nickel?

This is one of the most important distinctions in modern nickel collecting. A genuine Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) is a die-production error where the hub struck the working die at two slightly different angles, permanently embedding a doubled image into the die itself. Every coin from that die shows identical rounded, raised doubling on letters and design elements. Machine doubling, by contrast, happens during striking when the planchet shifts between strikes from a normal die — it produces flat, shelf-like shadows rather than distinct rounded secondary images. Machine doubling has zero collector premium. Always use at least a 10x loupe to inspect the lettering, and compare your coin against verified examples in online databases before submitting to PCGS or NGC.

6. What 2017 nickel errors are worth the most money?

The highest-value 2017 nickel errors documented at auction include: a 2017-P MS61 grease struck-through that sold for $132 at Heritage Auctions in 2019; a 2017-D MS60 die chip error pair (obverse and reverse) that brought $120 in 2019; a 2017-P MS60 die crack example that sold for $85 at Heritage Auctions in 2019; and a 2017-D DDO that reached $80 at a 2020 Heritage Auctions sale. Off-center strikes with full visible dates command $25–$220+ depending on the percentage of displacement and grade.

7. How do I check if my 2017 nickel has Full Steps?

Use a magnifying loupe (10x magnification is ideal) and focus on the staircase at the base of Monticello on the reverse. Count the horizontal lines — there are six steps total, with the portico (porch) counting as Step 1 and the foundation as Step 6. Every line must run completely from left to right with zero interruptions from cuts, scratches, strike weakness, or contact marks. Even a single small gouge cutting across one step disqualifies the coin. If all six lines are clean and continuous, you have a potential 6FS coin. If five are clean, it may qualify for 5FS. Any doubt? Submit to PCGS or NGC — grading fees run $20–$40+ per coin, which makes financial sense only for coins likely to grade MS65 or higher.

8. Does a 2017 nickel contain silver?

No. The 2017 nickel contains zero silver. Its composition is 75% copper and 25% nickel — the same copper-nickel alloy used for all Jefferson nickels since 1946. The only U.S. nickels that contain silver are the Wartime issues struck from 1942 through 1945, which used 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese to conserve nickel for military use during World War II. Those wartime silver nickels are identified by a large mint mark placed above Monticello on the reverse — a feature completely absent from all 2017 nickels.

9. Is the 2017 nickel a key date?

No. The 2017 nickel is not a key date in the Jefferson nickel series. True key dates in the series include the 1950-D (just 2,630,000 struck — the lowest Denver mintage ever), the 1939-D, and the ultra-rare 1913 Liberty Head nickel. The 2017 nickels were produced in enormous quantities across two mints, making them common coins in all circulated and typical uncirculated grades. Value for 2017 examples comes entirely from condition (high MS grades), strike quality (Full Steps), and error varieties — not from inherent date scarcity.

10. What year did the Jefferson nickel get its modern forward-facing design?

The forward-facing Jefferson portrait was introduced in 2006, designed by artist Jamie Franki and based on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 portrait painting of Jefferson. This was a significant change from the left-facing profile used on all Jefferson nickels from 1938 to 2003 (with the exception of the 2004–2005 Westward Journey commemorative reverses). The 2006 redesign also brought updated Monticello reverse details contributed by engraver John Mercanti. All 2017 nickels use this 2006 forward-facing design, which remains in use today.