Lincoln Wheat Cent

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1957

Denomination: One Cent (1¢)

Composition: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc

Lincoln Wheat Cent

Brief Description

A bronze US penny featuring the portrait of Abraham Lincoln and two wheat stalks on the reverse. This specific specimen appears to have undergone significant environmental damage or plating.

Historical Significance

The Lincoln Cent was introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The 'Wheat' reverse design was used from 1909 until 1958. 1957 was the penultimate year of this iconic design.

Estimated Value

$0.02 - $0.10 in circulated condition. This specific coin has significant surface damage/alteration which reduces its collector value to basically copper melt value (approx. 2-3 cents).

Care Instructions

Store in a PVC-free coin flip or tube. Avoid cleaning or rubbing the surfaces, as this coin already shows signs of environmental exposure or post-mint alteration.

Mint Mark

D (Denver Mint)

Mintage & Rarity

1,051,342,000 (Very Common)

Weight & Diameter

3.11 grams / 19.05 mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

Details Grade - Damaged. While the high points of the design are visible (VF/XF details), the surfaces appear corroded, 'bubbled', or chemically altered, likely from being buried or plated after leaving the mint.

Obverse (Front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date '1957 D' to the right. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (Back)

Two wheat stalks framing the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Legend 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' at the top. Designer: Victor David Brenner.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Value is determined by grade, amount of original red luster, and mint location. This 1957-D is one of the highest mintage dates in the series, making it extremely common.

Similar Coins

1957 Philadelphia (no mint mark) and the later 1959 Memorial Cent which replaced the wheat stalks with the Lincoln Memorial.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Authentic 1957-D cents are common; however, collectors should beware of coins that have been 'plated' (e.g., in zinc or gold) to look like rare errors. This coin has a suspicious yellowish/brass appearance that suggests post-mint alteration.

Notable Varieties & Errors

BIE die breaks (a vertical crack between B and E in LIBERTY) and minor doubled dies are known for this year, though none are visible here.

Created At: 2026-05-03T22:41:24.133829