Obverse

Reverse

One Cent (1¢)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States of America · 1957

A copper-colored U.S. 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¢)
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 May 3, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A copper-colored U.S. penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Wheat Cent was first introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. The 'wheat' design ended in 1958, making 1957 one of the final years of this iconic reverse type.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln by Victor David Brenner. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1957'.

Reverse (back)

Features two stalks of wheat surrounding the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Above this is the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM'.

Estimated value

$0.02-$0.10 in circulated condition; $1.00-$10.00+ in high Uncirculated (MS) grades.

What drives this coin's value

Most affected by condition (color and luster) and the presence of rare errors. Being a very common date, its value is minimal unless in exceptionally high grade.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine; shows significant wear on Lincoln's hair and the wheat lines, but all legends are clearly legible.

Mintage & rarity

Common; 282,540,000 struck at Philadelphia in 1957.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Weight should be approximately 3.1g. Check for consistent copper color. Counterfeits for this common date are rare, but altered mint marks on key dates in the series are more frequent.

Notable varieties & errors

BIE die breaks (a small vertical line between 'B' and 'E' in LIBERTY) and various minor double dies.

Similar coins

1957-D Lincoln Cent (distinguished by a small 'D' under the date) and the 1909-1958 Wheat series generally.

Care & preservation

Do not clean or polish the coin, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place in a PVC-free holder or 'flip' to prevent corrosion and 'green slime'.

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