Sometimes the most valuable treasures hide in plain sight — and that includes your everyday pocket change. The 1957-D Lincoln wheat penny is one of those coins that millions of people have seen, spent, or collected without realizing some of them carry a hidden mint error that could be worth far more than one cent. This humble penny, struck during a period of mass production, is finally getting the attention it deserves from collectors — not for rarity in mintage, but for the intriguing mistakes that slipped past quality control.
Coin Name: 1957-D Lincoln Wheat Penny with RPM and Die Break Errors
Struck at the Denver Mint in 1957, this wheat penny is part of the final years of the Wheat reverse design before the switch to the Lincoln Memorial in 1959. Over 1.05 billion of these were minted — but a small number contain Repunched Mint Marks (RPMs) and other minting errors that are now gaining popularity among numismatists. The “D” mintmark was hand-punched during this era, and some coins clearly show signs of double or shifted mintmarks, known as RPMs. Add to that the occasional die crack or cud error, and you’ve got a coin that may be worth $10 to $100+, depending on condition and error type.
Why the 1957-D Penny Stands Out:
- RPM Variety – Some coins show a second “D” slightly offset from the first.
- Die Cracks and Cuds – Raised metal lines or blobs on the coin, due to die damage.
- High Mintage, Low Awareness – With over a billion struck, these coins are common — but the errors are overlooked.
- Affordable to Hunt – Old wheat penny rolls can still be searched for these hidden gems.
- Historical Interest – Being one of the last Wheat pennies gives it collectible appeal.
How to Spot the Hidden Error:
- Use Magnification – A jeweler’s loupe or digital microscope is key to spotting the repunched “D.”
- Check the Mintmark – The most valuable varieties show a clear secondary impression of the “D” in a different position.
- Look for Die Cracks – Lines of raised metal, especially near Lincoln’s face or on the wheat stalks, can be valuable.
- Observe the Reverse – Some errors appear near the “ONE CENT” or along the rim.
- Condition Matters – Uncirculated examples (MS-grade) fetch the highest prices.
While the 1957-D penny is usually seen as a common coin, a closer look can turn an ordinary find into an extraordinary one. Whether it’s an RPM, a die crack, or a cud, these mint mistakes make certain 1957-D wheat pennies stand out to collectors. And the best part? They’re still out there, hiding in old coin rolls, change jars, or family collections. So if you’ve got a stash of wheat pennies, give those 1957-Ds a second glance — one of them might just surprise you.
FAQ’s:
1. How can I tell if my 1957-D penny has a repunched mintmark (RPM)?
Look at the “D” under magnification. A true RPM will show a second “D” slightly to the side, above, or below the primary one. It often looks like a shadow or extra curve.
2. What’s the value of a 1957-D RPM penny?
Depending on the severity of the RPM and the coin’s condition, it could range from $10 to over $100, especially if graded Mint State by PCGS or NGC.
3. What other errors should I look for on the 1957-D penny?
Die cracks, cuds (raised blobs near the rim), off-center strikes, and even lamination errors can all increase value.
4. Are these error pennies still found in circulation?
While rare in change, they’re still found in wheat penny rolls, coin jars, and collections that haven’t been searched thoroughly.
5. Should I get my 1957-D error penny graded?
If it’s in excellent condition and you’ve verified the error, yes — grading can boost its value and make it easier to sell.
