1957 D Penny Appraisal

1957-D United States Lincoln Wheat Cent

This is a United States one-cent coin, commonly known as a Wheat Penny, minted in 1957 at the Denver Mint. The coin is composed of 95% copper and 5% tin/zinc, with a standard diameter of 19.05 mm and a weight of 3.11 grams. The obverse features the iconic right-facing profile of Abraham Lincoln designed by Victor David Brenner. Key inscriptions include 'IN GOD WE TRUST' along the top curve, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date '1957' with a 'D' mint mark below it on the right side. The coin displays a circulated condition with visible wear on Lincoln’s hair and cheekbone, suggesting a grade in the 'Fine' to 'Very Fine' range. There is a noticeable brown patina (BN) across the surface, accompanied by small areas of greenish oxidation or copper corrosion known as 'verdigris' near the base of the date and under the chin. Several minor surface scratches and contact marks are visible on the fields and the bust. The strike appears moderately strong, though the rim shows minor thinning in certain sections due to wear. This specific piece represents the penultimate year of the Wheat Cent design before it was changed to the Lincoln Memorial reverse in 1959.