The rupee appreciated 17 paise to 77.17 against the US dollar in opening trade on Wednesday as the American currency retreated from its elevated levels. At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 77.24 against the American dollar, then gained further ground to quote at 77.17, registering a rise of 17 paise from the last close. In initial deals the rupee also touched a low of 77.31 against the dollar.