Coins have always fascinated collectors, especially those with unique features. In 2017, something special happened with the Lincoln Shield Cent that caught the attention of coin enthusiasts worldwide. For the first and only time, the Philadelphia mint mark “P” appeared on a cent, making it a modern curiosity for collectors and beginners alike.
This small but significant change has created excitement in the coin collecting community, especially among younger collectors who enjoy collecting sets with rare pieces. If you are curious about why the 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent stands out and what makes it valuable, this article will give you an easy-to-understand guide.
What Is the Lincoln Shield Cent?
This Article Includes
- 1 What Is the Lincoln Shield Cent?
- 2 Why Is the 2017 “P” Mint Mark Special?
- 3 How Did the Market React to This Change?
- 4 How to Identify a 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent?
- 5 Why Is This Coin Important for Young Collectors?
- 6 Tips for Collecting the 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent
- 7 Conclusion: A Modern Treasure for Coin Collectors
The Lincoln Shield Cent is the current design of the US one-cent coin, introduced in 2010. It replaced the earlier Wheat Penny and features a unique shield on the coin’s reverse side. This shield symbolises the strength and unity of the United States, with the words “E Pluribus Unum” engraved on it.
The cent has been minted in various locations, mainly Philadelphia and Denver, represented by mint marks “P” and “D.” However, the Philadelphia mint mark “P” rarely appears on cents, which makes the 2017 release special and interesting for collectors.
Why Is the 2017 “P” Mint Mark Special?
Traditionally, cents minted in Philadelphia did not have a “P” mint mark. This was because Philadelphia was the main mint, and it was assumed obvious where the coin came from. The “P” mint mark was mostly reserved for other coins like nickels, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars.
In 2017, the Philadelphia mint made a change. For the first time, the “P” mark appeared on the Lincoln Shield Cent. This unique event marked the only year the Philadelphia mint mark appeared on a cent, making the 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent unusual and collectible.
How Did the Market React to This Change?
Collectors quickly noticed this new feature and started searching for the 2017 “P” Shield Cent to add to their collections. Because it was the first time in history that the Philadelphia mint mark appeared on a cent, it added a level of excitement to coin collecting.
The market saw increased interest, and many sets containing the 2017 “P” Shield Cent became popular among both beginners and experienced collectors. This coin became a modern curiosity that people talked about, making it a sought-after item for those looking to complete or start a penny collection.
How to Identify a 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent?
Finding the 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent is not too difficult, but you should know what to look for. The key identifying feature is the small “P” mint mark on the front side of the coin, near the date. This simple letter tells you that the coin was minted in Philadelphia in the unique year when the “P” mark was added to cents.
Always check the date, as only the 2017 Shield Cents have this mint mark. Coins from other years or different designs will not show the “P” mint mark on the cent.
Why Is This Coin Important for Young Collectors?
For young and new collectors, the 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent is a perfect example of how coins can have interesting stories and unique features. It shows that even small changes, like adding a mint mark, can make a coin special.
This coin encourages younger people to learn more about coin history and minting processes. It makes collecting fun and meaningful because they can hold a piece of history that is different from usual cents.
Tips for Collecting the 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent
If you want to start collecting this coin, consider buying from trusted sources like coin dealers or reputable online markets. Make sure to check the authenticity and condition of the coin, as these factors affect its value.
You can also look for uncirculated or proof versions of the 2017 “P” Shield Cent. These special editions tend to be rarer and more valuable to collectors, especially if kept in good condition.
Conclusion: A Modern Treasure for Coin Collectors
The 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent is more than just a coin. It represents a rare change in the history of US minting and has created excitement for collectors everywhere. For anyone interested in coins, especially young collectors, this cent is a fascinating and accessible collectible.
Whether you want to start a new hobby or add a unique piece to your collection, the 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent is worth considering. It proves that even something small can have a big story behind it.