The 1955 Lincoln Wheat Penny is one of the most sought-after coins in American numismatics, captivating both novice and seasoned collectors. Known primarily for its infamous 1955 doubled die variety, this penny has become a symbol of rare minting errors and historical significance. Whether you’re just getting started with coin collecting or you’re an experienced numismatist, understanding the 1955 Lincoln cent’s background, varieties, value, and how to authenticate it is essential.
History of the 1955 Lincoln Wheat Penny
The Lincoln Wheat Penny, officially introduced in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth, replaced the Indian Head cent. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it was the first U.S. coin to feature a president. The reverse side, which included two wheat stalks flanking the denomination “ONE CENT,” gave rise to the nickname “Wheat Penny.”
By 1955, the Lincoln cent had already been in circulation for nearly half a century. Minted during the post-World War II economic boom, the 1955 penny was produced in large quantities at the Philadelphia Mint, with no mint mark. That year, over 330 million pennies were struck. However, a small number of them—estimated to be between 20,000 and 24,000—were released with a dramatic doubled die obverse (DDO), making them among the most famous error coins in American history.
The 1955 Doubled Die Penny: What Makes It Special?
The 1955 doubled die penny occurred due to a misalignment during the hubbing process of the obverse die, causing the design elements—especially the date and inscriptions like “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”—to appear doubled to the naked eye. This error is not just slight doubling or machine doubling (which is common and far less valuable); it’s a true doubled die error, and it’s dramatic.
How to Identify a Genuine 1955 Doubled Die
Spotting a genuine 1955 DDO requires attention to detail. Key indicators include:
- Date Doubling: The “1955” appears as if shadowed or duplicated.
- LIBERTY Doubling: The letters of “LIBERTY” are significantly doubled, especially the “B” and “E.”
- IN GOD WE TRUST: All letters in this motto show strong doubling.
- No Mint Mark: All authentic 1955 doubled dies were struck in Philadelphia and do not have a mint mark.
Due to its distinctiveness, this coin is considered a “cherry picker” favorite—collectors actively search through rolls and collections in hopes of discovering one.
Other 1955 Lincoln Cent Varieties
While the doubled die obverse garners most of the attention, not all 1955 Lincoln Wheat Pennies are error coins. The vast majority are normal strike coins with no errors, yet they can still be collectible depending on condition.
Additionally, machine doubling can occur on 1955 cents, but this form of doubling is much flatter and lacks the depth of a true doubled die. These are significantly less valuable and often confuse new collectors.
1955 Lincoln Wheat Penny Value
The value of a 1955 Lincoln Wheat Penny depends heavily on whether it is the rare doubled die or a standard strike. Here’s a breakdown:
Regular 1955 Penny Value:
- Circulated (Good to Fine): $0.05 to $0.25
- Uncirculated (MS60-MS65): $1 to $10
- Prooflike or Red Examples (MS65+ Red): $20 to $100+
1955 Doubled Die Obverse Value:
- Circulated (G-VF): $800 to $1,500
- AU (About Uncirculated): $1,800 to $2,500
- Uncirculated (MS60-MS65): $3,000 to $6,000+
- High-End Mint State Red Examples (MS65+ Red): $10,000 to $25,000+
Auction records show some pristine examples of the 1955 DDO selling for over $40,000. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for coins with strong eye appeal and minimal contact marks.
How to Authenticate Your 1955 Penny
If you believe you have a 1955 doubled die penny, don’t rely solely on pictures or magnification. Here’s how to ensure authenticity:
- Use a Loupe or Microscope: A 10x jeweler’s loupe or coin microscope helps you confirm the clear doubling on the date and lettering.
- Compare with Certified Examples: Use PCGS or NGC images to compare.
- Get a Professional Appraisal: For valuable coins, submit them to a grading service like PCGS, NGC, or ANACS for authentication and encapsulation.
- Weigh and Measure the Coin: A legitimate 1955 penny weighs about 3.11 grams and has a diameter of 19mm.
Collecting and Investing in the 1955 Wheat Penny
Because of its fame, historical value, and scarcity, the 1955 DDO penny is a cornerstone of any serious Lincoln cent collection. Even collectors of general U.S. coins often seek to own at least one example. With values consistently appreciating, it’s also considered a strong investment coin.
Many investors prefer to purchase certified specimens to ensure authenticity and preserve value. Graded coins in PCGS MS64 Red and higher are especially attractive due to their rarity.
Tips for Collectors:
- Focus on Eye Appeal: Strong red color (from original copper luster) commands higher value.
- Buy Certified Coins: Avoid raw coins unless you are 100% certain about their authenticity.
- Watch for Fakes: Due to its value, many counterfeits exist. Be cautious when buying online or from unknown dealers.
Fun Fact: Accidental Release
Legend has it that the 1955 doubled die error was initially discovered by cigarette vending machine operators. They found coins in change compartments with strange-looking lettering and sold them to collectors. This unexpected release made the coin even more desirable and sparked a collecting frenzy.
Conclusion
The 1955 Lincoln Wheat Penny remains one of the most famous and valuable error coins in U.S. history. Its rarity, striking visual error, and connection to American coinage history make it a must-have for collectors. Whether you’re aiming to buy one or you think you’ve found one in pocket change, understanding what makes this coin so special will help you make informed collecting or investment decisions.
If you’re searching for rare pennies worth money, the 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent should be at the top of your list.