1957 D I just got looks like a fake to me

[Jay3434]

Ok is this a fake 1957 D I found tonight? I have been buying these wheat back rolls from Ebay so far im 0-2 on the forum with my other finds. If the experts here say this one is fake im going to just stick to bank boxes and rolls and call it a loss. It checks out at 3.11 grams but alot of the other wheatbacks in these rolls give me 3.05 grams unless my cheapy scale is a dud. Thank you for your help again

[PNWMAKES]

All US minted coins have tolerance in there weight. Your coin falls within that tolerance. US Coins, weight Composition and Tolererances.jpg

[MintErrors]

Why would some one take the time to make a fake cent? I could see faking one that is of significant value, like the 1943 copper, 1944 steel, 1955 DDO, 1969-S DDO. People who are in in it to fake coins don't do it to lose money, and at the cost, a cent for a cent or maybe a few bucks tops.... this make no rationable sense.

3.11 grams is perfect for Lincoln cents as that IS the correct weight.

If the seller is outside of the USA in a region that the U.S. or allies do not have diplomatic ties to, then there might be a very minute chance there could might be, or very slight chance something could be wrong. Again.... Why a common everyday cent ?

Quality of equipment is just as important as the quality of information that is provided. Logical approach to items like this will get responses rather than any lashback.

I own a 20 dollar scale. It works fine. Its been tested for accurate weight. I got it off Amazon. It does grams down to hundredths of a gram x.xx

Some how.... I sense someone reading this initial post and chuckling. Then saying What?!

Some people may want evidence on why you think this may not be real, other than say, a gut feeling.

[mustbebob]

I agree completely with Gary. Why would anyone make a fake 1957D cent? There are over a BILLION of these out there. Chances are, if you have any wheat cents around, one is a 1957D.
I am more curious as to what makes you think this is a fake. There are a hundred different reasons why a coin may look different, such as PMD, circulation wear, or toning. I see nothing in your photos that even remotely makes me think 'fake'.

[Jay3434]

Well the reason I said fake is I have been let down on my other 2 finds ive posted, that I thought were the real deal$$$, so I figured I would wake up and be saddened again. The coin is in very good condition, I just thought maybe there may be places making replicas of every year penny or something i was expecting the worse case before i wrote the post. Is the coin worth sending off for grading do you guys feel?

[MintErrors]

I doubt it is worth sending in. In my opinion;

I bet you could find one slabbed at a high grade already below what you'd pay to send it in postage wise, grading and slabbing fee plus return postage. I highly suggest you research the cost of these services and determine if the coin is worthy of grading. Ultimately, it is up to you whether to send anything in. I personally don't recommend sending a coin in just by looking at a photo or two. General grading skills which can be found at most third party grading services can give you a general idea what the grade is.

CONECA frowns on us talking about specific grades and value.
They are a bit lienient on slabbed coins done by a TPG service.

We offer our opinions, and that is what they are. We are here to help. I personally try to be as unbiased on my opinions as I can, and give as much detail as I can to keep the same question from the same person from rising again. When it comes to self attribution, people either learn how to do it, or they don't. The reasons vary too much to know why some can't.

I will speak only for myself when it comes to experience. I probably have examined easily over 750,000 Lincoln cents, most over the past decade, when I went through 40 five thousand count Lincoln cent bags. I don't know how many thousands of quarters and half dollars, lesser dimes and nickels.. But let's just say boatloads.

I've been collecting errors and varieties since 1981.

[mustbebob]

Well the reason I said fake is I have been let down on my other 2 finds ive posted, that I thought were the real deal$$$,

Welcome to the word of numismatics. It's not that you were let down, but rather the proper diagnosis was made on your coin. I don't know of anyone who hasn't wished that they could find the 'holy grail' of coins. You have to remember that billions and billions of coins are struck. The business model at the US Mint is that none of them are bad when they release them to the public. Occasionally, some do get out, and that's what we search for. The chances of actually finding an error or variety is pretty small. The chances of finding a very high grade coin, worth much money, is even more difficult. People remove coins from circulation every day. Some of them will eventually place them back into circulation many years later, they may get stolen, or the grandkids get hold of them. It is not unheard of to find an uncirculated example out there.
Patience and education is the key. Don't get frustrated when your finds do not turn out to be worth much. I have been searching coins for 54 of my 66 years. The thrill is in the hunt, but once again, knowledge is the key.

[Jay3434]

Thanks again Bob for your help, im working on being better at this but it takes alot of time and research. Ive switched to quarter rolls from the bank from penny rolls to see which I enjoy most but I get lost on what to save in quarters like the statehood quarter series and america the beautiful. Its confusing me, I see the prices for instance the high graded pennsylvania P on pgcs and I feel like I wanna save all of them and anything 1983 and older. How should I take a more rational approach to roll hunting quarters without going overboard on what i save right out of the roll?

[mustbebob]

I think you should not expect to find the really pricey coins out of roll searching. If you are looking for high grade coins, circulation and/or rolling machines may tend to damage a lot of coins. Start looking for the smaller things like minor errors, doubled dies, and RPMs. If they are solid date rolls, go the places like Variety Vista, Coppercoins, and the Wexler files and go through what has already been attributed. It will give you an idea of what to look for and where to look for it on the coin. Occasionally, during these searches, this is where the good stuff comes in. All of a sudden, a really nice looking coin, or undiscovered variety may pass under your loupe or scope. At this time, you sort of forget the frustrations of the past. You will find that most great finds are made by accident.

As you mentioned, it takes a great deal of time and effort to become proficient enough in the hobby. You have to understand that you may not find anything for a while and then next week, you seem to find something in every roll you search. It is a process that requires continuous learning. Try to be realistic and ask yourself 'Why am I saving some of this stuff?' What value is there if I save every nice looking quarter from 1983? Remember that there are billions of coins out there, so chances are that more can be found. It is something only you can determine, but based on my own habits, you should remain fluid, and willing to change your collecting habits if need be.

[Jay3434]

Thank you mustbebob and MintErrors for all the help, I really appreciate it