The 2017-P Lincoln Penny is worth anywhere from its face value of $1 in worn condition to over $100 for high-grade specimens. While most you find in pocket change are only worth one cent, certain “P” mint mark pennies from this specific year have piqued the interest of collectors nationwide.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average)	$0.01
Uncirculated (MS65)	$1.00 – $5.00
Superb Gem (MS67+)	$25.00 – $150.00+

The Historic Significance of the 2017-P Mint Mark

For over a century, the Philadelphia Mint produced one-cent coins without a mint mark. If you look at a penny from 1990 or 1950 minted in Philly, the space below the date is blank. However, 2017 was a special year. To celebrate the 225th anniversary of the United States Mint, officials decided to add the “P” mint mark to the Lincoln cent for the first and only time in history. This makes the 2017-P penny a unique “one-year type” coin that many casual hunters overlook.

If you are unsure if your penny is a 2017-P or a different variety, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish the subtle markings. Most people think their shiny pennies are just common change, but the presence of that small “P” below the date “2017” signifies a piece of numismatic history. It was a tribute to the hardworking staff at the nation’s first minting facility.

Because billions were produced, the coin isn’t rare in a general sense. However, the novelty of the “P” mark means that collectors often keep them rather than spending them. If you find one that looks exceptionally bright and free of scratches, it might be worth more than its face value. Using an app like CoinKnow can quickly tell you if your specific coin has the luster required to fetch a premium price from a collector.

Grading and 2017-P Lincoln Cent Prices

Like any modern coin, the value of a 2017-P penny is heavily tied to its “grade.” Since these coins are made of zinc with a thin copper coating, they oxidize and scratch easily. Most pennies found in your couch or car cup holder will be “circulated,” meaning they have scratches, oily fingerprints, or dull surfaces. These are generally only worth one cent.

However, “Uncirculated” coins are a different story. These are coins that were taken directly from a bank roll or a Mint set and haven’t been touched by dirty hands. Collectors use a 70-point scale to grade these. A “Mint State 67” (MS67) or “Mint State 68” (MS68) coin is nearly perfect. You can view the latest 2017-P Lincoln Penny MS67 Red price data to see how much of a jump there is between average and elite grades.

Grade (Red Color)	Market Value
MS63	$0.25
MS65	$2.00
MS66	$15.00
MS67	$45.00
MS68+	$200.00+

How to Spot 2017-P Penny Error Varieties

Error coins are the holy grail for everyday Americans hunting through change. While the 2017-P penny is relatively new, several errors have been reported by enthusiasts. The most common types of errors to look for include “Die Cracks” and “Doubled Dies.” A die crack looks like a small, raised line of metal that shouldn’t be there, often appearing on Lincoln’s head or near the rim.

Another interesting find is the “Struck Through” error, where a piece of debris gets between the coin and the stamp during production. This often leaves a blurry or “greased” appearance on the coin’s surface. While not as famous as the 1955 doubled die, 2017-P errors are gaining traction. If you think you’ve found a weird-looking coin, check the detailed 2017-P penny error and value guides to see if your anomaly matches known mistakes.

To identify these errors properly, many collectors use CoinKnow to zoom in on high-resolution images of known errors. Because the “P” mint mark is so small, you might need a magnifying glass or a high-quality smartphone camera to ensure you aren’t just looking at a standard scratch. Error coins can sell for $10 to $50 on sites like eBay, even if the coin is otherwise common.

Understanding the “Red” Designation for Pennies

When experts talk about the value of a copper coin, they use terms like RD (Red), RB (Red-Brown), and BN (Brown). Because the 2017-P penny is made of copper-plated zinc, it starts its life a brilliant, fiery orange-red. Over time, exposure to air (oxidation) turns the coin brown.

A “Red” 2017-P penny is one that has retained at least 95% of its original mint color. For a 2017 penny to be worth any significant money to a collector, it usually must be graded as “Red.” Brown pennies from 2017 are almost always just worth face value because they have already begun to degrade. Keeping your coins in a cool, dry place or a protective holder is the only way to preserve that “Red” value.

Color Designation	Impact on Value
Red (RD)	Highest Value; most desirable for 2017-P
Red-Brown (RB)	Moderate; value drops by 50-70%
Brown (BN)	Lowest; usually worth face value only

Why the 2017-P Penny is a Great Starter Collectible

If you are just getting into coin collecting, the 2017-P penny is a perfect place to start. Unlike the 1909-S VDB or other “impossible” coins, you can actually find the 2017-P in the wild today. It teaches new collectors to look at the mint marks—the small letters (P, D, or S) that tell the story of where the coin was born.

Using tools like CoinKnow helps turn a boring jar of change into a treasure hunt. Searching for the unique “P” mark is a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Even if you don’t find a $100 specimen, you are building a collection of a historically significant “anniversary” coin that won’t be minted with that “P” again in our lifetime.

Collecting these also helps you understand the concept of “mintage figures.” In 2017, the Philadelphia Mint produced over 4 billion pennies. Because the supply is so high, only the absolute “best of the best” in terms of condition pull in high prices. It’s a great lesson in the balance between rarity and quality that defines the entire coin-collecting hobby.

Standard Mintage Figures for 2017 Pennies

To understand value, you must understand supply. In 2017, three different types of pennies were produced for circulation and collectors. The Philadelphia Mint (P), the Denver Mint (D), and the San Francisco Mint (S) for proof sets. The “P” variety is the most talked-about because of the anniversary mark, but the “D” and “S” versions are also part of the 2017 penny family.

Mint Facility	Quantity Produced	Has Mint Mark?
Philadelphia	4,361,220,000	Yes (P)
Denver	4,272,800,000	Yes (D)
San Francisco	2,110,480 (Proof only)	Yes (S)

Summary: Should You Save Your 2017-P Pennies?

The short answer is: yes, if they are in great condition. While a brown, scratched 2017-P penny is only worth one cent, a brilliant, uncirculated one is a piece of history. As the years go by, the number of “Red” survivors will dwindle, and the value of high-grade examples will likely rise.

Always check the area just below the date. If you see that “P,” you have a coin that represents the 225th anniversary of the US Mint. Whether you are a serious collector or just someone who found a shiny penny in their pocket, the 2017-P Lincoln cent is a fascinating modern rarity that proves you don’t need a thousand dollars to start a meaningful coin collection.

FAQ

Q: Why do some 2017 pennies have a P and others don’t?

A: Actually, most 2017 pennies minted in Philadelphia have the “P.” If a 2017 penny does not have a “P,” it might be a Denver (D) or possibly a Philadelphia cent where the mark was filled with grease (a rare error), but in 2017, the “P” was standard for Philadelphia.

Q: What is the most expensive 2017-P penny ever sold?

A: The highest-graded 2017-P pennies in MS69 RD have sold at auction for over $150 to $600 depending on the auction timing and the specific eye appeal of the coin.

Q: Is the 2017-P penny rare?

A: In terms of total numbers, no. Over 4 billion were made. However, finding one in “Perfect” condition (MS68 or higher) is quite rare because most were banged up in transport or circulation.

Q: How can I tell if my 2017-P penny is a proof?

A: Proof pennies were not made in Philadelphia in 2017; they were made in San Francisco and carry an “S” mint mark. Some special “Enhanced Uncirculated” versions exist in sets, but the standard “P” penny is a business strike intended for circulation.