2017-D 1C Shield, Lincoln Cent
Mint and Mintage
The 2017-D Lincoln Shield Cent, minted in Denver, is part of the ongoing series highlighting the Union Shield on the reverse, with a mintage of 4,395,000,000 coins. This coin continues the Lincoln cent's legacy as a staple of U.S. coinage, honoring President Abraham Lincoln's enduring significance in American history since its introduction in 1909.
Rarity and Market Value
These coins are highly common due to their vast mintage, making them readily available in circulation and accessible to collectors. As a modern coin, the 2017-D 1C Shield, BN, is typically valued at face value in circulated condition. However, they can achieve higher values in uncirculated or MS (Mint State) grades, particularly those graded by a recognized entity like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS).
- PCGS Grading and Value: For coins in superior uncirculated grades such as MS67 or higher, prices may range modestly. According to price records, MS67 examples can be valued slightly higher but do not generally exceed a few dollars due to the coin's prevalent nature.
- PCGS #*: The PCGS coin number for the 2017-D Shield Cent, BN, is 622405. This reference is crucial for collectors and investors as it distinguishes this specific issue within the vast array of Lincoln cents.
Historical Context and Numismatic
Insight From a historical perspective, the Shield reverse design represents President Lincoln’s efforts during the Civil War to preserve the Union, symbolized by the shield bearing the national motto "E Pluribus Unum." The BN designation denotes the coin's brown color, commonly resulting from the natural toning of its copper coating over the zinc core. The continuation of the Lincoln cent with the Shield reverse underscores its enduring status as a tribute to Lincoln's legacy and the cent's role in everyday transactions. This specific design replaced the previous Lincoln Memorial reverse in 2010, adding a fresh yet historically resonant aesthetic to the series.
Exact Sales and Analysis
While heritage auction sites frequently record sales of coins, most sales of the 2017-D Shield Cent occur among numismatic enthusiasts casually or in hobbyist settings, often not reaching the high-end auction platforms that deal primarily with rarer historical coins. Therefore, specific recorded sales data for this particular coin outside of bulk sales or rolls are scarce, emphasizing its primary appeal as an entry-level collectible or educational piece for new collectors. In summary, the 2017-D 1C Shield Cent embodies both continuity and historical homage in United States coinage. Despite its commonality, higher grade examples' modest appeal to numismatists and its role in the broader story of Lincoln cent designs maintain its relevance and interest among collectors.
