1917 One Cent Penny Value And History

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The 1917 Lincoln cent is a fascinating coin that has been a staple of American currency for over a century. As one of the most widely collected coins in the United States, the 1917 penny has a rich history and can be highly valuable depending on its condition and rarity.

In this article, we will delve into the history of the 1917 Lincoln cent, its design and minting process, and provide an overview of its value in today's market.

The History of the Lincoln Cent

The Lincoln cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth. The coin was designed by Victor David Brenner, a Lithuanian-born sculptor who immigrated to the United States in the late 19th century.

The 1917 Lincoln cent was minted during a time of great change in the United States. World War I was raging in Europe, and the United States was preparing to enter the conflict. The war effort had a significant impact on the economy, and the demand for coins increased as a result.

The Design and Minting Process

The 1917 Lincoln cent features a portrait of President Lincoln on the obverse (front) side, with the words "LIBERTY" and "1917" inscribed above and below the portrait, respectively. The reverse (back) side features two stalks of wheat, symbolizing the rich agricultural heritage of the United States.

The 1917 Lincoln cent was minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The Philadelphia mint produced over 284 million coins, while the Denver and San Francisco mints produced significantly fewer coins, with totals of around 16 million and 32 million, respectively.

The Value of the 1917 Lincoln Cent

The value of the 1917 Lincoln cent depends on several factors, including its condition, rarity, and demand. In general, coins that are in good condition and have a low mintage are more valuable than those that are worn or have a high mintage.

The 1917 Lincoln cent is considered a common coin, and its value is relatively low compared to other coins of the same era. However, coins that are in excellent condition and have a high grade can be worth significantly more.

Here are some approximate values for the 1917 Lincoln cent:

• Good condition: $0.10-$0.50
• Fine condition: $0.50-$1.50
• Extra fine condition: $1.50-$3.00
• About uncirculated condition: $3.00-$5.00
• Mint state condition: $5.00-$10.00

It's worth noting that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific coin and its condition.

Rare Varieties of the 1917 Lincoln Cent

There are several rare varieties of the 1917 Lincoln cent that are highly sought after by collectors. Some of these varieties include:

• The 1917-D Lincoln cent with a strong "D" mint mark: This variety is rare because the Denver mint produced fewer coins than the Philadelphia mint.
• The 1917-S Lincoln cent with a strong "S" mint mark: This variety is also rare because the San Francisco mint produced fewer coins than the Philadelphia mint.
• The 1917 Lincoln cent with a misprinted date: This variety is rare because it features a misprinted date, such as "1916" or "1918", instead of the correct date of "1917".

These rare varieties can be worth significantly more than the standard 1917 Lincoln cent, with values ranging from $10 to $100 or more.

Collecting the 1917 Lincoln Cent

Collecting the 1917 Lincoln cent can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Here are some tips for collectors:

• Start by building a basic collection of Lincoln cents from different years and mints.
• Look for coins that are in good condition and have a low mintage.
• Consider purchasing coins that are certified by a reputable coin grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).
• Store your coins in a safe and secure location, such as a coin album or a safe deposit box.

By following these tips, you can build a valuable and enjoyable collection of 1917 Lincoln cents.

Gallery of 1917 Lincoln Cent