The 2017-P Boys Town Centennial Uncirculated Silver Dollar is a unique and special coin created to honor Boys Town, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping at-risk youth. This coin, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of Boys Town’s founding, has an interesting design and has become a sought-after item for collectors. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the history behind the coin, its design, and what makes it valuable to coin collectors.
What Is Boys Town?
Boys Town was founded in 1917 by Father Edward Flanagan with the aim of providing a safe haven for troubled boys. The organization became famous for being open to children of all races and religions, offering them care and education. Boys Town grew rapidly, and by the 1930s, it had attracted national attention. A movie about the organization, starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney, helped spread its story. Over the years, Boys Town expanded to help both boys and girls across the United States, touching more than two million lives annually.
To mark its 100th anniversary in 2017, a law was passed to create a series of commemorative coins. These coins include a clad half dollar, a silver dollar, and a $5 gold coin, with all proceeds benefiting Boys Town. The silver dollar is especially significant and honors the mission and impact of the organization.
Coin Design and Features
The 2017-P Boys Town Centennial Silver Dollar was designed by Emily Damstra, with the sculpture done by Joseph Menna. Let’s look at the features of this coin:
Obverse (Front) Design: The front of the coin features an image of a young girl sitting on the ground, gazing up at a tree. She looks as if she is asking for help, representing the children Boys Town has helped over the years. The words “BOYS TOWN” appear at the top, with a quote on the bottom that says, “When you help a child today… you write the history of tomorrow.” The coin’s mintmark “P” shows it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
Reverse (Back) Design: On the back of the coin, we see five children, including the girl from the front, walking hand in hand under a large oak tree. The oak tree symbolizes shelter and protection, representing the support Boys Town offers to children in need. The reverse also includes the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “ONE DOLLAR,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Coin Specifications:
- Country: United States of America
- Year of Issue: 2017
- Denomination: One Dollar (USD)
- Mintmark: P (Philadelphia Mint)
- Mintage: 12,307 of 350,000 coins authorized
- Alloy: 90% silver, 10% copper
- Weight: 26.73 g
- Diameter: 38.10 mm
- Edge: Reeded
Why Collect the 2017-P Boys Town Centennial Silver Dollar?
While this coin didn’t sell as many units as expected, it still holds value for collectors. It was made in limited numbers, with only 350,000 coins authorized for production. As of now, the coin sells for $50 to $65 in uncirculated condition on websites like eBay, though the price can go higher for coins graded in better condition, such as MS70. The silver dollar is also a valuable piece due to its historical significance and limited availability.
Over time, interest in this coin may increase as collectors realize its importance in honoring a century of service to at-risk children. A well-preserved MS70 graded coin, especially from trusted grading companies like NGC and PCGS, could fetch higher prices in the future. However, as with all collectibles, there are no guarantees, so collectors should be cautious and mindful of market trends.
Current Market Trends and Sales
In recent sales, MS70 graded coins have reached up to $185, but the value of the coin has fluctuated. On February 23, 2025, an MS70 coin sold for $185, while other sales in January and February 2025 ranged between $100 and $140. Despite these price increases, collectors should be aware that the coin’s value may not maintain this level long-term.
Conclusion
The 2017-P Boys Town Centennial Uncirculated Silver Dollar is a beautiful and meaningful coin that honors a century of work done by Boys Town to help children in need. With its unique design and limited mintage, it holds potential for collectors looking for rare and historically significant items. While the coin’s value has fluctuated, it remains an important part of American coin history, and its connection to the Boys Town mission makes it a valuable keepsake for those who appreciate the organization’s legacy.
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