Why are 1997 pennies worth almost twenty dollars

 Most 1997 pennies in circulated condition are only worth their face value of $0.01. These coins can only sell for a premium in uncirculated condition. The 1997 penny with no mint mark and the 1997 D penny are each worth around $0.30 in uncirculated condition with an MS 65 grade. unless you have an very rare 1997 penny thats then when it would become worth 20$