5 Ways To Determine 1957 Wheat Penny Value

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The 1957 Wheat Penny is a highly sought-after coin among collectors, and its value can vary greatly depending on several factors. If you're looking to determine the value of your 1957 Wheat Penny, here are five ways to do so.

Understanding the 1957 Wheat Penny

Before we dive into the methods of determining the value of the 1957 Wheat Penny, it's essential to understand the coin itself. The 1957 Wheat Penny is a Lincoln cent, minted in 1957, with a distinctive wheat ear design on the reverse side. The coin was designed by Victor David Brenner and features a portrait of President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse side.

Method 1: Check the Coin's Condition

The condition of the coin is one of the most critical factors in determining its value. Coins that are in excellent condition, with minimal wear and tear, can command higher prices than those that are worn or damaged. To determine the condition of your coin, look for the following characteristics:

• Luster: Is the coin's surface shiny and reflective, or is it dull and worn?
• Wear: Are there any signs of wear on the coin's surface, such as scratches or corrosion?
• Edge: Is the coin's edge smooth and even, or is it rough and worn?

Using the Sheldon Scale, which grades coins from 1 to 70, you can determine the condition of your coin. Coins with a higher grade will generally be more valuable than those with a lower grade.

Grade 1-3: Poor Condition

Coins with a grade of 1-3 are in poor condition, with significant wear and tear. These coins may be worth only their face value or a few cents more.

Grade 4-6: Fair Condition

Coins with a grade of 4-6 are in fair condition, with noticeable wear and tear. These coins may be worth a few dollars more than their face value.

Grade 7-10: Good Condition

Coins with a grade of 7-10 are in good condition, with minimal wear and tear. These coins may be worth several dollars more than their face value.

Grade 11-20: Very Good Condition

Coins with a grade of 11-20 are in very good condition, with minimal wear and tear. These coins may be worth several tens of dollars more than their face value.

Grade 21-30: Fine Condition

Coins with a grade of 21-30 are in fine condition, with minimal wear and tear. These coins may be worth several hundred dollars more than their face value.

Grade 31-40: Very Fine Condition

Coins with a grade of 31-40 are in very fine condition, with minimal wear and tear. These coins may be worth several thousand dollars more than their face value.

Grade 41-50: Extremely Fine Condition

Coins with a grade of 41-50 are in extremely fine condition, with minimal wear and tear. These coins may be worth several tens of thousands of dollars more than their face value.

Grade 51-60: About Uncirculated Condition

Coins with a grade of 51-60 are in about uncirculated condition, with minimal wear and tear. These coins may be worth several hundred thousand dollars more than their face value.

Grade 61-70: Uncirculated Condition

Coins with a grade of 61-70 are in uncirculated condition, with no wear and tear. These coins may be worth several million dollars more than their face value.

Method 2: Check the Coin's Rarity

The rarity of the coin is another critical factor in determining its value. Coins that are rare or hard to find can command higher prices than those that are more common. To determine the rarity of your coin, look for the following characteristics:

• Mintage: How many coins were minted in 1957?
• Survival rate: How many coins have survived to the present day?

Using the mintage and survival rate, you can determine the rarity of your coin. Coins with a lower mintage and survival rate will generally be more valuable than those with a higher mintage and survival rate.

Method 3: Check the Coin's Provenance

The provenance of the coin is another factor that can impact its value. Coins that have been owned by famous collectors or have been part of a notable collection can command higher prices than those without a notable provenance.

To determine the provenance of your coin, look for the following characteristics:

• Ownership history: Who has owned the coin in the past?
• Exhibition history: Has the coin been exhibited in a museum or at a numismatic exhibition?
• Publication history: Has the coin been published in a book or article?

Using the provenance, you can determine the value of your coin. Coins with a notable provenance will generally be more valuable than those without.

Method 4: Check the Coin's Certification

The certification of the coin is another factor that can impact its value. Coins that have been certified by a reputable third-party grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), can command higher prices than those that have not been certified.

To determine the certification of your coin, look for the following characteristics:

• Grading service: Has the coin been graded by a reputable third-party grading service?
• Grade: What is the grade of the coin?

Using the certification, you can determine the value of your coin. Coins that have been certified by a reputable grading service will generally be more valuable than those that have not been certified.

Method 5: Consult a Price Guide

Finally, you can consult a price guide to determine the value of your 1957 Wheat Penny. Price guides, such as the Red Book or the Coin Collector's Guide, provide a comprehensive list of coins and their values.

To use a price guide, look for the following characteristics:

• Coin type: What type of coin is the 1957 Wheat Penny?
• Grade: What is the grade of the coin?
• Mintage: How many coins were minted in 1957?

Using the price guide, you can determine the value of your coin. Coins that are listed in the price guide will generally be more valuable than those that are not listed.

Gallery of 1957 Wheat Penny

Frequently Asked Questions