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

The 2017 penny holds a permanent place in American coin history as the first and only Philadelphia-minted cent ever to carry a “P” mintmark — a one-time surprise released to mark the U.S. Mint’s 225th anniversary. That single historic detail makes this coin worth knowing about, whether you found one in your change or are building a serious Lincoln cent collection.

Understanding what your 2017 penny is actually worth comes down to three things: which mint made it, what grade it’s in, and whether it has any special errors.

 

2017 Penny Value By Variety

The 2017 penny shows significant value variation across different mint marks and conditions. 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 Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Top 9 Most Valuable 2017 Penny Worth Money

The top auction results for 2017 pennies reveal how dramatically condition and variety affect value within a single year’s production. Denver specimens have reached as high as $1,595 for pristine examples, while Philadelphia issues in top condition have sold for $37 at David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) in January 2023 and $31 at Heritage Auctions in June 2019.

The Deep Cameo — a term for proof coins where design elements appear frosty white against mirror-like fields — represents the accessible entry point for premium 2017 pennies, with auction records starting around $95. Philadelphia Red (RD) examples in MS67+ grades have sold consistently in the $20–$37 range across major auction platforms through 2024, demonstrating steady collector demand.

Also Read: Lincoln Wheat Penny Value (1909-1958)

 

History of the 2017 Penny

The Lincoln penny’s journey began in 1909 when President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned sculptor Victor David Brenner to design a new cent featuring Abraham Lincoln — making it the first widely circulating U.S. coin to ever depict a president. The design evolved over the decades, moving from the Wheat Penny reverse (1909–1958), to the Lincoln Memorial reverse (1959–2008), and finally to the current Union Shield design introduced in 2010.

The year 2017 marked a genuine milestone in American coinage history. The U.S. Mint, established by an Act of Congress on April 2, 1792, celebrated its 225th anniversary under Mint Director David J. Ryder, who championed several collector-friendly surprises that year.

According to Tom Jurkowsky, director of the U.S. Mint’s Office of Corporate Communications, the decision to add a “P” mintmark to the Lincoln cent was originally suggested by Philadelphia Mint employees as a fitting tribute to the facility’s historic achievements. The Mint intentionally released these coins without any public announcement or marketing, wanting to see how long it would take for the public to notice.

The coins were quietly shipped to Federal Reserve Banks in early January 2017 for distribution into general circulation. The first collector to publicly document the discovery was Terry Granstaff, who found a 2017-P Lincoln cent during a transaction at a gas station in Black Mountain, North Carolina, then posted images on the PCGS — Professional Coin Grading Service — online discussion board, triggering an immediate numismatic stir.

Many collectors initially suspected the coins were counterfeits, since no Philadelphia-minted Lincoln cent had ever carried a “P” in the coin’s entire 108-year history up to that point. According to Numismatic News, Philadelphia Mint production was actually lower by more than 100 million pieces by April 2017, with the Denver Mint striking extra coins to compensate while the “P” mintmark rollout was still limited.

Matt Crane, marketing director at L&C Coins in Los Alamitos, California, noted at the time that while the massive circulation mintage would limit dramatic value jumps, the unannounced, surprise gesture was something “we will be talking about in years to come.” The 2017-P Lincoln cent remains a permanent one-year type, as Philadelphia cents returned to bearing no mintmark beginning in 2018.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Pennies Worth Money (1787 – Present)

 

Is Your 2017 Penny Rare?

To explore comprehensive rarity analysis and discover which coins achieve the highest scarcity ratings, use our Coin Value Checker App for detailed rarity assessments across all Lincoln cent varieties.

 

Key Features of the 2017 Penny

The Lincoln penny has undergone significant transformations since its 1909 debut, with notable changes in both reverse designs and metal composition over the decades. The 2017 penny belongs to the Lincoln Shield cent series — a design introduced in 2010 to honor Lincoln’s role in preserving the Union during the Civil War.

The Obverse of the 2017 Penny

The obverse — or “heads” side — features the left-facing portrait of President Abraham Lincoln designed by Victor David Brenner. Above his head is the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST, while the word LIBERTY appears to the left and the date 2017 is shown on the right.

The mintmark appears directly below the date, indicating which facility produced the coin. If you look closely at the area where Lincoln’s shoulder is cut off, you’ll spot tiny initials VDB — short for Victor David Brenner — the coin’s original sculptor.

The Reverse of the 2017 Penny

The reverse — or “tails” side — shows the Union Shield with the denomination ONE CENT on a scroll across its face. The shield features thirteen vertical stripes representing the original thirteen states, topped by a horizontal bar symbolizing the federal government that unites them.

The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM (“out of many, one”) appears at the top of the shield, and the country’s name UNITED STATES OF AMERICA runs along the coin’s upper rim. The initials LB and JFM appear on the left and right ends of the scroll, standing for designer Lyndall Bass and sculptor Joseph Francis Menna.

Other Features of the 2017 Penny

The 2017 penny is a plain-edged coin made of copper-plated zinc, with copper making up just 2.5% and zinc comprising 97.5% of its total weight. It measures 19.05 millimeters in diameter and weighs 2.50 grams.

All three active mints produced pennies in 2017: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Each coin carries its respective mintmark on the obverse below the date — including, for the first and only time in history, a “P” from Philadelphia.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Wheat Pennies Worth Money (1909 to 1958)

 

2017 Penny Mintage & Survival Data

The 2017 penny mintage data reveals the enormous scale of modern cent production: Philadelphia led with approximately 4.36 billion pieces struck, while Denver followed with around 4.27 billion — a combined total of over 8.6 billion circulation coins in a single year. That massive supply is the primary reason most 2017 pennies remain worth exactly one cent in circulated condition.

In contrast, the San Francisco Mint produced just 979,477 Deep Cameo proof specimens — less than 0.01% of total 2017 penny output. As of March 2025, PCGS has certified only 38 examples at MS68RD (the Red designation meaning nearly full original copper luster), and NGC has graded just 12 coins at the even higher MS69RD level, demonstrating how difficult it is for even carefully preserved coins to survive in flawless top-grade condition.

Also Read: 100 Most Valuable Indian Head Penny Coins Worth Money (1859 – 1909)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2017 Penny Value

The 2017 penny holds unique distinction as Philadelphia struck its first and only “P” mintmark cent that year to commemorate the Mint’s 225th anniversary. Worn specimens remain at face value, while preservation determines premium potential for uncirculated pieces.

Error varieties, color designations, and grade all play a role. The RD — or Red — designation means a coin has retained almost all of its original copper-toned luster, and RD examples typically command 20–30% more than RB (Red-Brown) coins and considerably more than fully toned BN (Brown) specimens.

For instant value estimation, use our Coin Value Checker App to quickly evaluate your 2017 pennies without the guesswork.

 

2017 Penny Value Guides

The 2017 penny series represents a unique moment in American numismatics, featuring three distinct varieties that showcase different minting processes, finishes, and collector appeal.

• 2017-P Shield Penny — Historic first Philadelphia penny with “P” mintmark
• 2017-D Shield Penny — Denver Mint production with standard “D” mintmark
• 2017-S DCAM Shield Penny — San Francisco Deep Cameo proof with mirror finish

The best candidates for high-grade value typically come from 2017 Mint Sets and original bank-wrapped rolls, since circulated examples from pocket change tend to show contact marks, spotting, or dulled luster. Always prioritize coins with a full Red (RD) color designation, as that single factor can make one certified coin worth many times more than an otherwise identical Brown (BN) example.

Also Read: Value Of Old Pennies By Year (1959-Present)

 

2017-P Shield Penny Value

The 2017-P Shield Penny holds the unique distinction of being the first and only Philadelphia-minted Lincoln cent to bear the “P” mintmark in all of U.S. history — a one-year type that will never repeat. This historic coin was quietly released without any announcement, creating collector excitement when discovered in circulation beginning in mid-January 2017.

As of March 2025, PCGS has certified only 38 examples at the MS68RD level and NGC has graded just 12 at MS69RD, confirming just how rare top-condition specimens truly are from this otherwise high-mintage issue. PCGS price estimates put MS68RD coins at approximately $500, while NGC’s price guide estimates the same grade at around $325 — though no confirmed public auction records exist at that level as of this writing.

Verified recent sales show MS67+RD coins selling for $37 at David Lawrence Rare Coins (DLRC) in January 2023 and $31 at Heritage Auctions in June 2019. For comparison, MS67RD certified examples trade regularly on eBay in the $12.50–$31.75 range, MS66RD coins typically bring around $5, and raw ungraded examples sell for $1–$2 depending on visual appeal.

Red (RD) specimens — meaning coins with nearly all original copper luster intact — command the strongest premiums across all grades. Red-Brown (RB) examples fall between Red and fully toned Brown (BN) specimens in value.

Current market activity demonstrates sustained collector engagement with this commemorative issue across all grade levels.

 

2017-D Shield Penny Value

The 2017-D Shield Penny represents the Denver Mint’s contribution, struck in a mintage of approximately 4,272,800,000 pieces — slightly lower than Philadelphia’s output that year partly because Denver was producing extra coins early in the year to compensate while the “P” mintmark rollout was still ramping up. While overshadowed by the historic Philadelphia issue, top-condition Denver specimens have achieved impressive auction results.

According to auction records, Red (RD) examples have reached an auction high of $1,595 for a pristine top-pop specimen, with mid-tier examples achieving $264. Brown (BN) examples show more modest performance — a 2023 auction brought $19 — while Red-Brown (RB) specimens bridge the value gap between full Red and Brown designations. Like Philadelphia examples, a 20–30% premium applies to RD over RB specimens in equivalent grades, making color designation one of the most important factors in determining your Denver coin’s worth.

Tracking market engagement shows how Denver specimens compete with their Philadelphia counterparts for serious collector attention.

 

2017-S DCAM Shield Penny Value

The 2017-S DCAM Shield Penny is the premium proof offering from the San Francisco Mint, and DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — a designation given to proof coins where the raised design elements (devices) appear brilliantly frosted white against deeply mirrored, glass-like fields. This striking visual contrast is what separates DCAM coins from standard proof strikes and makes them the most visually dramatic 2017 pennies available.

With a mintage of just 979,477 pieces — a tiny fraction compared to the billions struck for circulation — the San Francisco proof issue is the scarcest variety of the series by a very wide margin. Auction records show the Deep Cameo variety reached $95 in July 2018, and most certified examples achieve PR69 or PR70 Deep Cameo grades, as the San Francisco Mint is well known for its exacting proof production standards.

Market activity reflects steady collector interest in this premium proof issue.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Modern Pennies Worth Money (1959 – Present)

 

Rare 2017 Penny Error List

Despite their massive production numbers, 2017 pennies do contain several documented error varieties that can transform an ordinary pocket coin into a genuinely valuable collectible. Here are the most important errors to look for — and what they’re worth.

1. Doubled Die Errors (DDO / DDR)

A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) or Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) happens during the die-making process, when the design hub impresses the die at slightly different positions on two separate strikes — leaving all or part of the design appearing doubled on the finished coin. This is very different from “machine doubling,” which is a flat, shelf-like distortion from the striking process that has little to no collector value, so be careful not to confuse the two.

On 2017 pennies, doubling most commonly appears on the inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST or LIBERTY on the obverse, with value depending on how bold and clearly separated the doubling appears. True Doubled Die examples with dramatic, easily visible separation between design elements are the ones that attract serious collectors and command real premiums.

2. Strike-Through Errors

Strike-through errors occur when foreign material — dust, fabric fibers, grease, or debris — falls between the die and the blank planchet during striking, leaving a void or impression in the coin’s surface where the die couldn’t fully reach. These objects typically fall away after the strike, but their impression remains permanently on the coin.

Value depends on the size, uniqueness, and placement of the strike-through, with large or unusually shaped impressions commanding stronger premiums. Coins that show multiple strike-through impressions in interesting positions are especially appealing to error collectors who prize these accidental artifacts of the minting process.

3. Wrong Planchet Error (Struck on Bronze)

One of the most dramatic 2017 penny errors documented is the wrong planchet strike — specifically, a 2017-P Lincoln Shield cent struck on a bronze planchet containing approximately 99.1% copper and 0.9% zinc, weighing around 2.87 grams instead of the normal 2.50 grams. This error has been certified by PCGS and sold through GreatCollections, making it one of the most verifiable and exciting 2017 error coins known.

Normal post-1982 Lincoln cents use copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper), so any coin weighing noticeably more than 2.50 grams could indicate a wrong planchet error worth investigating. If you suspect a wrong planchet error, weigh the coin on a precise digital scale and submit it to PCGS or NGC for authentication.

4. Off-Center Strike

An off-center strike happens when the blank planchet is not properly centered between the dies at the moment of striking, resulting in part of the design being pushed off the edge of the coin with a crescent of blank metal visible. These errors are measured by the percentage of the design that is missing.

The collector “sweet spot” for off-center Lincoln cents is 40–60% off-center where the date is still fully visible — these examples command the highest premiums and can sell for anywhere from a few dollars on the low end to several hundred dollars for dramatic, well-centered examples with a complete readable date. Coins more than 60% off-center that lose the date drop significantly in value.

5. BIE Die Break / Cud Error

The BIE error is a type of die break exclusive to Lincoln cents, named for the small raised blob that appears between the B and E in the word LIBERTY on the obverse — caused by a crack or break in the die that allows metal to flow into the gap during striking. While minor examples are common and worth only $5–$10, large and visually dramatic BIE errors or full cud breaks — where a chunk of the die’s rim breaks away completely — can bring $25 or more from specialist collectors.

Die breaks and cuds are permanent, die-specific errors, meaning every coin struck from that specific damaged die will show the same feature. A 2017-P BIE error is particularly interesting because it combines the die break variety with the already historic one-year “P” mintmark.

Also Read: 42 Rare Penny Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Where to Sell Your 2017 Penny?

With comprehensive knowledge about 2017 penny varieties and their market potential, it’s time to capitalize on your discoveries. Whether you’ve found error coins or high-grade specimens, we’ve researched the most effective platforms where collectors successfully monetize their Lincoln cent investments.

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

 

2017 Penny Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 2017 Penny Value

1. How much is a 2017 penny worth in circulated condition?

A worn 2017 penny found in pocket change — whether it shows the “P,” “D,” or no mintmark — is worth exactly one cent in circulated condition. Value only begins to emerge with careful preservation: uncertified but clearly uncirculated examples can bring $1–$2, certified MS66RD coins sell for around $5, and MS67RD examples typically sell for $10–$20 on major platforms.

2. Why do 2017 pennies have a “P” mintmark?

The “P” mintmark was added to 2017 Philadelphia Lincoln cents to celebrate the U.S. Mint’s 225th anniversary, which fell on April 2, 2017. It was the suggestion of Philadelphia Mint employees and was approved by Mint Director David J. Ryder — making 2017 the only year in the Lincoln cent’s entire history (dating back to 1793) that a Philadelphia-struck one-cent coin bore the “P” mintmark.

3. What is the most valuable 2017 penny ever sold?

Among standard business strikes, the highest verified auction sale for a 2017 Denver penny is $1,595 for a pristine top-pop RD example. For the historic 2017-P Philadelphia issue, confirmed sales include $37 at David Lawrence Rare Coins (January 2023) and $31 at Heritage Auctions (June 2019) for MS67+RD certified coins. PCGS estimates that a genuine MS68RD 2017-P could sell for approximately $500 if one came to market.

4. How many 2017-P pennies were made?

The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 4,361,220,000 — over four billion — 2017-P Lincoln cents for circulation. While that makes the coin extremely common in lower grades, it is worth noting that Philadelphia’s early-year production ran more than 100 million below normal pace, with Denver compensating, before full “P” mintmark output was established.

5. What does PCGS MS68RD mean for a 2017 penny?

MS stands for Mint State, meaning the coin has never been circulated and retains its original luster. The number 68 is the coin’s grade on the 70-point Sheldon Scale, where 70 is a theoretically perfect coin. RD stands for Red — meaning the coin still shows nearly all of its original bright copper color. As of March 2025, PCGS has certified only 38 examples of the 2017-P penny at MS68RD, making it a genuinely conditionally rare coin despite the billions struck.

6. Is there a 2017 penny worth money on a wrong planchet?

Yes — a documented 2017-P Lincoln Shield cent struck on a bronze planchet (99.1% copper, 0.9% zinc, weighing approximately 2.87 grams) has been certified by PCGS at MS-64 RB and sold through GreatCollections. Normal 2017 cents weigh 2.50 grams, so any coin weighing significantly more could indicate a wrong planchet error. Always submit suspected planchet errors to PCGS or NGC for authentication before placing a value on them.

7. What is the difference between RD, RB, and BN on a 2017 penny?

These are color designations used by grading services like PCGS and NGC to describe how much original copper luster remains on a Lincoln cent. RD (Red) means nearly all original copper color is present and commands the highest premiums — typically 20–30% more than an RB (Red-Brown) coin of the same grade. RB means the coin shows some red luster with some brown toning. BN (Brown) means the coin has fully toned to a brown color and carries the lowest value of the three.

8. What 2017 penny errors are worth the most money?

The most valuable 2017 penny errors include wrong planchet strikes (struck on bronze instead of copper-plated zinc), dramatic Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) errors with bold, easily visible doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST or LIBERTY, and off-center strikes in the 40–60% range where the full date is still visible. Die clash errors with prominent design transfers can bring $50 or more, while BIE die break errors range from $5 to $25+ depending on the size of the break.

9. Should I get my 2017-P penny graded by PCGS or NGC?

Professional grading by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) is only cost-effective for 2017 pennies if you believe the coin can reach MS67RD or higher, or if it has a clear, documented error. Basic grading fees typically start around $17–$19 per coin, so submitting an MS65 or lower example would cost more than the coin is worth. For top-pop candidates or verified errors, certification protects authenticity and significantly boosts resale value.

10. How does the 2017 penny compare to the 2019-W penny in rarity?

The 2017-P penny was struck in over four billion examples for general circulation, making it common in worn grades. The 2019-W West Point penny, introduced under Director Ryder as another surprise collector bonus, was inserted only into Mint Sets and Proof Sets rather than released broadly into circulation — making it significantly harder to find in pocket change. Both are celebrated as one-year-only “surprise” mintmark issues from the Ryder era, but the 2019-W generally commands higher premiums due to its much more limited distribution method.