The 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield cent is a fascinating coin for collectors and enthusiasts, especially in India where coin collecting is gaining popularity. This coin stands out because it is the first and only time the Philadelphia mint placed a “P” mint mark on a Lincoln cent. This small letter adds a special twist to the usually straightforward design of the penny, making 2017 cents unique in modern coin history.
For young collectors or beginners, the 2017 “P” cent creates a curious story in numismatics (coin collecting). It’s an excellent example of how small changes in coins can attract attention and increase interest in building coin sets. Let’s explore why this penny is so special and what makes it a modern curiosity worth knowing about.
What Is the 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent?
This Article Includes
- 1 What Is the 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent?
- 2 Why Did Philadelphia Mint Add the “P” Mark in 2017?
- 3 How Does This Change Affect Collectors?
- 4 What Should Indian Coin Collectors Know About the 2017 “P” Cent?
- 5 Where Can You Find the 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent?
- 6 Tips for Young Collectors Interested in Modern Coin Sets
- 7 Why The 2017 “P” Lincoln Cent Matters in 2024 and Beyond
The Lincoln Shield cent, introduced in 2010, features a shield design on its reverse side as a symbol of unity and strength. Before 2017, the Philadelphia Mint did not use a mint mark on cents, as they were known for producing most pennies without any letter. Instead, only the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mints marked their coins.
In 2017, the Philadelphia Mint officially started adding a “P” mint mark to the Lincoln cents, marking the first time in history that these pennies carried a mint mark from Philadelphia. This coin continued to carry the familiar Lincoln portrait on the front and the shield on the back, but the tiny “P” on the obverse near the date made it stand out. It’s a small detail, but it makes 2017 cents a unique collectible.
Why Did Philadelphia Mint Add the “P” Mark in 2017?
The reason behind this change goes back to the United States Mint’s goal of making coins more recognizable and consistent across different mints. Adding mint marks helps collectors know exactly where a coin was made. Before 2017, coins from Philadelphia didn’t have any mint mark except some special issues.
The 2017 “P” penny showed a commitment to modernizing the penny’s look and making it clear that Philadelphia was producing these coins. This small change also fits with the Mint’s efforts to keep collectors interested by providing varieties and slight changes in coin designs every few years.
How Does This Change Affect Collectors?
For coin collectors, the 2017 “P” Lincoln cent creates a new category in penny collections. Since this was the first year Philadelphia added its mint mark, coin sets including 2017 pennies are now more desirable. Collections that show all three mints—Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S)—require this 2017 “P” cent to be complete for modern sets.
Collectors love finding coins with unique stories, and the 2017 “P” cent adds value to sets because it is a limited change. Though the coin itself is not rare in numbers, its significance as a “first” makes it a popular curiosity. For younger and new collectors, this coin is a great way to start learning about mint marks and how they affect coin collecting.
What Should Indian Coin Collectors Know About the 2017 “P” Cent?
India has a rich history in coin collecting, and with growing interest in international coins, the 2017 “P” Lincoln cent is a good example of how modern coins can have interesting stories. With online communities and easy access to coins worldwide, Indian collectors can add this coin to their collections with little effort.
Because this penny is made of copper-plated zinc and not very old, it is affordable and easy to find. It offers a fun educational opportunity about U.S. coinage and mint history, helping collectors understand the value of mint marks and variations. This coin is a simple but fascinating addition to any beginner’s collection.
Where Can You Find the 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield Cent?
For those interested in buying the 2017 “P” cent, it is widely available online and through coin dealers. Popular e-commerce sites and numismatic forums often offer this coin at reasonable prices. Collectors in India can easily search for it on international marketplaces or through local coin clubs that deal with world coins.
Because of the 2017 “P” mint mark’s recent appearance, many banks or coin shops might still have these savings coins. It’s worth checking small stores or collectors who might have modern coin sets. Whether you want the coin as a curiosity, educational piece, or part of a complete US penny set, it’s a great find for Indian collectors.
Tips for Young Collectors Interested in Modern Coin Sets
If you’re new to coin collecting and want to explore modern coins like the 2017 “P” cent, start by learning about mint marks and how they tell a story about a coin’s origin. Collecting coins from different mints, years, and designs can be exciting and rewarding.
Try to join online groups or local clubs focused on coin collecting. They help beginners understand grading, authenticity, and preservation methods. Keep your coins safe in holders or albums and always handle them carefully to keep their condition good over time.
Why The 2017 “P” Lincoln Cent Matters in 2024 and Beyond
As of 2024, the 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield cent remains a modern icon in numismatics. The addition of the “P” went beyond a simple design change and created a fresh talking point for collectors worldwide. It marks a subtle but important moment when the Philadelphia Mint modernized the penny in an unexpected way.
For anyone curious about coins, especially younger collectors or those just starting in India, this penny is a memorable piece. It shows how even the smallest details on coins tell bigger stories about history, production, and collecting culture. The 2017 “P” Lincoln Shield cent is a small coin with a big impact.
