The rupee today advanced further by 17 paise to 51 rupees 25 paise against the dollar in the late morning trade due to sustained selling of American currency by banks and exporters amid firm trend in the equity markets. The domestic currency moved between 51 rupees 25 paise and 51 rupees 50 paise per dollar in the morning deals. Persistent selling of dollars by banks and exporters because of weakness in the currency in the overseas markets and a firm trend in the local equity market boosted the rupee value against the dollar.