Opinions on this large cent?

I took it at auction as a 51, but from the placement of the date I'd have to say it is a 57. There is damage, but also some bubbles that are curious, most likely PMD(behind the eye, & under the N of cent on rev. Sorry for the scans, but I suck at photos.

 

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Neither date is particularly difficult to find or expensive. I would suggest buying a problem-free one.

The damage to your coin is fatal and reduces its value greatly. I suppose if you paid a very small amount it would make a fun pocket piece to show friends. Otherwise I would say return it and buy another.

The later year large cents were of much better planchet quality and you should be able to find one with smooth surfaces (no porosity or corrosion) and free of severe hits for around $30.
Lance.

 

It appears to have a large gouge near the date. It appears to me to be post-mint damage, and as such it would severly reduce the value of an already relatively cheap coin. I'd say the coin is worth south of $10. It's still a cool coin, IMO, and to think that penny circulated more than 150 years ago is amazing to think about....Mike

 

It is mainly the year I was wondering about. Trying to catalogue everything is a bear. I agree that the damage is fatal, but since I don't normally collect this type of cent it is something different for me. Value doesn't really concern me.
Thanks for the help!!!

 

Basically for the 1857 you have large date and small date - we eliminate the small date right off the bat. This is certainly not the small date. So looking at the large date it appears it might line up. You need to post better pictures and a close-up of the date.

 

Thanks Mark, like I said my fotos always suck so that was a scanner image. I'll try to play with the camera a bit tonight.

 

Since it is a large date, if it is an 1857 it would be easy to tell. Look for a rectangular lump in the denticals under the left side of the 8. This is the top of a 1 punched into the denticals and it is clear even in lower grades.

 

Good point, Conder. Here's what to look for. The first one is MS, the second XF. You should get the idea.
Lance.