The 1957 Lincoln penny is a valuable and sought-after collectible for many numismatists.
It was minted in the year of President Dwight D. Eisenhower's first term, making it one of the few coins to honor his legacy.
The coin also marks an important transition period between two different designs used by the U.S. Mint at the time, giving it special appeal among collectors who are interested in both its historical significance as well as its aesthetic qualities.
Minting History Of The 1957 Lincoln Penny
The 1957 Lincoln Penny is a treasured piece among numismatists. It was minted in both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints that year, showcasing either a 'D' or an 'P' mark respectively.
The obverse of the penny has remained largely unchanged since 1909 when it first featured former president Abraham Lincoln's portrait designed by Victor David Brenner; however, the reverse underwent changes in 1959 to incorporate the Lincoln Memorial design created by Frank Gasparro.
These coins have become popular collectibles due to their unique look and historical significance. They often come with a premium attached to them because they are scarce, making them great additions for any collection no matter how large or small. Though some may be more valuable than others due to condition and grade, all represent an important part of our nation’s history as well as its monetary system.
Because these coins were only produced for one year before being replaced with another design, many consider them to be rare finds - giving them even greater value over time.
Whether you're looking to add one or several pieces to your own collection, the 1957 Lincoln Penny should not go overlooked!
Design And Features Of The 1957 Lincoln Penny
The 1957 Lincoln Penny is a truly remarkable piece of currency, one that will take your breath away! It has an exceptionally unique design and features that make it stand out from other coins in its class.
Firstly, the obverse side of this penny bears a portrait of former President Abraham Lincoln facing leftward with ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ inscribed above his head. Below him are two iconic symbols for America — wheat ears and the Union shield.
The reverse shows the face value of the coin along with the words ‘ONE CENT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’ encircling it.
From its brilliant luster to its eye-catching details, here's why collectors can't get enough of the 1957 Lincoln Penny:
- Its high-relief engraving gives it exceptional detail
- Its composition consists of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc
- This model was only struck at Philadelphia Mints
- Its beautiful design makes it highly sought after by numismatists
This classic American penny is sure to spark admiration among any collector or investor - a true treasure to behold!
Rarity And Value Of The 1957 Lincoln Penny
I've collected lincoln pennies for years and the 1957 penny is one of the most rare and valuable.
Mint marks can greatly affect their value, with the 'D' mark from the Denver mint being especially sought after.
Double die errors can also make a 1957 penny worth much more than its face value.
For collectors, the value of a 1957 penny can range from one dollar to hundreds depending on its condition.
It's important to note that the value of a 1957 penny will also depend on its grade, which is determined by a professional grading service.
With that being said, the 1957 penny is a great investment for any numismatist.
Mint Marks
The rarity and value of the 1957 Lincoln penny is a topic that numismatists often consider. A key factor in determining the worth of this coin lies with its mint mark, which can add great significance to your collection.
The U.S. Mint produced the 1957 penny at three different facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco ('S') and Denver ('D'). Of these three locations, coins struck at San Francisco command higher premiums due to their relative scarcity compared to those made at other locations. This makes them highly sought after by collectors looking for an elusive piece of history.
It's also important to note that some coins have no visible mint marks; these were all made at the Philadelphia facility and are known as “Business Strikes” — they are not considered rare or valuable unless they're in pristine condition.
Collectors must be aware that certain counterfeits exist and take special care when sourcing coins from external sources. With careful research and analysis, one can find a true gem amongst pennies from '57!
Double Die Errors
Apart from mint marks, numismatists also consider double die errors when determining the value of a 1957 Lincoln penny. Double die errors occur during the manufacturing process and can cause some areas on a coin to appear doubled or blurred. These unique coins are highly desirable for collectors, as their rarity makes them stand out in any collection.
Although these coins may only display minor flaws, they can be incredibly valuable if found in good condition. There have been two known varieties of double die error pennies released in 1957: one with extra thickness and one with extra thinness. The former is more common but still commands high prices due to its distinctiveness; it features an outline of Lincoln's portrait that appears slightly thicker than normal and has been dubbed “The King Of Doubled Dies” by some enthusiasts.
The latter variety is much rarer and usually fetches higher sums at auction due to its scarcity. Whether you're looking for a classic piece or something special such as a double die error, there are plenty of opportunities to find interesting specimens among '57 pennies — happy hunting!
Collector Values
Collector values play an important role when it comes to the rarity and value of a 1957 Lincoln penny. As such, numismatists must carefully consider all factors that could affect how much a particular coin is worth.
Factors like condition, mint marks, and double die errors can have a major impact on the final price. For example, coins with extra thickness or thinness may be rarer and more valuable than those without these flaws; similarly, pieces with desirable mint marks are likely to fetch higher prices at auction.
Ultimately, collector values will depend largely on what kind of specimen you have in your possession — good luck out there!
Popular 1957 Lincoln Penny Varieties
The 1957 Lincoln Penny is a highly sought-after coin for collectors due to its rarity and potential value.
With so many varieties out there, it's no wonder the '57 penny is collecting attention from numismatists around the world.
Famous examples of this classic include the doubled die obverse, where elements on one side of the coins appear to be struck twice in different locations resulting in doubling of some words or design features.
Another popular variety amongst collectors is the large date/small date that can be identified by comparing two pennies side-by-side - with one showing a larger font size than the other.
Finally, those looking to add an extra touch of uniqueness to their collections may want to consider acquiring an off-center strike which occurs when a blank planchet isn't perfectly centered under the dies during striking.
Each of these varieties represents another layer of intrigue and complexity within this beloved series and makes each individual specific example all the more special.
Collecting The 1957 Lincoln Penny
The 1957 Lincoln Penny is a must-have item for any true numismatist. Despite the fact that it's not as rare and valuable to collectors as other years, its historical significance makes it a treasure worth seeking out. With its classic wheat stalks reverse design, the penny stands out from all others in the series.
Here are three reasons why you should add this coin to your collection:
- Its mintage of 801 million coins makes it easy to find
- The simplicity of the Wheat Stalk Reverse Design adds nostalgia
- It marks an important year in American history - the beginning of desegregation
So if you're looking for a timeless piece with special meaning, consider adding the 1957 Lincoln Penny to your collection! Not only will you have a beautiful reminder of our nation's past, but also a unique addition to your growing hoard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Find A 1957 Lincoln Penny?
As a numismatist, I often encounter questions about where one can find coins.
The Lincoln penny is an iconic United States coin that has been in circulation since 1909.
If you're looking for a 1957 Lincoln penny, they are still quite easy to find.
Many online coin shops carry them and also offer grading services as well.
You may even be able to locate one at your local coin shop or at a flea market.
Is The 1957 Lincoln Penny Made Of Silver?
The 1957 Lincoln penny is a numismatic treasure like a diamond in the rough. It's an iconic coin among collectors, and one of the most sought-after specimens from its era.
As far as composition goes, it differs slightly from other Lincoln pennies: while all others are made of copper-plated zinc or steel, this particular edition was composed entirely of bronze - no silver here!
This makes it uniquely valuable to modern day numismatists, who prize any coins that deviate from standard minting procedures.
How Much Does A 1957 Lincoln Penny Weigh?
A 1957 Lincoln penny, like most other pennies produced after 1982, is composed of copper-plated zinc.
The weight of a single coin is 2.5 grams--notably lighter than the pre-1982 pennies which were made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams each on average.
As such, numismatists should be aware that these post-1982 coins are significantly less dense than their predecessors when assessing value based on weight alone.
How Many Different Varieties Of The 1957 Lincoln Penny Exist?
Numismatists have identified multiple varieties of the Lincoln penny, produced in 1957. These varieties include the common wheat ear cents and memorial reverse cents with a variety of mint marks. All of these are made from 95% copper and 5% tin & zinc alloy.
Furthermore, there is a rare variety known as an 'error' cent which has doubled die obverse features on both sides due to misalignment during striking. Although this error coin is extremely rare, it can be worth upwards of $1000 depending on its condition.
What Is The Difference Between A 1957 Lincoln Penny And A 1958 Lincoln Penny?
Have you ever wondered what makes one penny different from the other?
The difference between a 1957 and 1958 Lincoln Penny can be quite significant. For numismatists, these coins represent an interesting area of study due to their slight variations in design.
Both pennies feature Abraham Lincoln's portrait on the front, however they have distinct differences when it comes to reverse designs. On the 1957 version, there are wheat ears surrounding a shield while the 1958 features two ears of corn flanking either side of the United States Mint logo.
It is important to note that both versions are made out of copper-plated zinc which gives them a distinctive look.
Conclusion
Numismatists everywhere admire the 1957 Lincoln Penny for its historical significance and physical beauty. It's one of the most sought after coins in circulation, with many varieties existing.
Not only is it a lovely piece of American history to add to your collection, but it also has an interesting difference between other years: The '57 penny was made from copper instead of silver like its 1958 counterpart!
For collectors wanting to get their hands on this unique item, you should know that it weighs 3.11 grams and can be found through coin dealers or online auction sites.
If you're lucky enough to find one, you'll have something special that will remain timeless through generations.