Obverse

Reverse

One Cent (1 penny)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States of America · 1957

A copper-alloy United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1957
Denomination: One Cent (1 penny)
Metal: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified June 12, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper-alloy United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Wheat Cent was first struck in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. It was the first US coin to feature a portrait of a person rather than a personification of Liberty. 1957 marks one of the final years of the Wheat reverse before it was changed to the Lincoln Memorial design in 1959.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right, designed by Victor David Brenner. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1957' with a 'D' mint mark.

Reverse (back)

Two wheat stalks flanking the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Legend at top: 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'.

Estimated value

$0.05 - $0.15 in circulated condition; $1.00 - $10.00+ in high Uncirculated grades (MS-65+)

What drives this coin's value

Value is primarily driven by condition (grade) and the presence of original mint luster. Because the mintage is over a billion, only extremely high-grade specimens or specific errors carry significant premiums.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine. The coin shows moderate wear on the high points of Lincoln's hair and jaw, and the wheat kernels on the reverse are visible but worn.

Mintage & rarity

1,051,342,000; very common

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authantic 1957-D pennies are extremely common, making counterfeiting unprofitable. Ensure the 'D' mint mark is part of the original strike and not added. Check for standard weight (3.11g) and copper color.

Notable varieties & errors

BIE die breaks (small vertical bar between 'B' and 'E' in LIBERTY) and various minor Doubled Die Obverses exist for this year, though none are major rarities.

Similar coins

1957 (Philadelphia) which has no mint mark; later 1959-2008 Lincoln Memorial Cents; and the 1943 steel penny (distinguishable by its silver/gray color).

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges to avoid transferring finger oils. Do not clean or polish, as this strips the original surface and reduces numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or archival-safe coin holder.

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