In American coin collecting, the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is one of the most well-known and prized mistake coins.
For many years, numismatists have been fascinated by a distinct and striking minting fault that has been the source of its distinctiveness. Let’s examine the unique qualities of this coin, its background, and its current valuation.
What Is a Doubled Die Coin?
A minting fault known as a “doubled die coin” happens when a die used to imprint the design on the coin is misplaced and impressed twice. This produces a double effect, particularly noticeable on the coin’s text or date.
This error is easy to see in the words “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date on the 1955 penny with a double image.
Because doubled-die coins are very hard to find, people really want to collect them. One famous example is the 1955 doubled die penny, which is easy to recognize because of the doubled image on it.
The Story Behind the 1955 Doubled Die Penny
The doubled die error was created in 1955 at the Philadelphia Mint during the manufacturing of Lincoln cents due to a mechanical problem.
With this doubling, a sizable quantity of pennies was struck by an incorrectly positioned second strike of the die. Before the issue was discovered, an estimated 20,000 to 24,000 of these incorrect pennies were made.
Before the error was found, many of these coins had already been used, mostly in the northeastern United States. Thousands of coins were in circulation and rapidly sought after by collectors despite efforts to recover them.
After receiving media notice, the error quickly became one of American minting history’s most well-known error coins.
What Makes the 1955 Doubled Die Penny Valuable?
A number of things influenced the 1955 doubled die penny’s worth:
- Rarity: Due to the small number of coins made with this error—roughly 10,000 to 15,000—collectors find them extremely uncommon and desirable.
- Distinct Doubling: The 1955 doubled die penny has a highly distinct and obvious doubling on its obverse, in contrast to minor minting faults. Therefore, it is among the mistake coins with the most stunning visuals.
- Condition: The condition of a coin affects how much it is worth, like with any collectible. Coins that have not been used are worth a lot more than those that have been used in transactions.
- Historical Significance: The 1955 doubled die penny increased in popularity and worth over time, as it was among the first mistake coins to be widely publicized in the media.
How Much Is the 1955 Doubled Die Penny Worth?
The value of the 1955 doubled die penny varies based on its condition. Below is a table summarizing approximate values depending on the coin’s grade:
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good 4 | $900 – $1,000 |
| Very Fine 20 | $1,450 |
| MS-60 (Uncirculated) | $2,050 |
| MS-63 (Uncirculated) | $2,800 |
| MS-65 (Top Grade) | Up to $7,600 |
As shown in the table, even a penny in relatively poor condition can fetch close to $1,000, while those in Mint State or higher can command prices upward of $7,600 or more, depending on the demand in the market.
One of the most well-known mistakes in American coin history is the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Center. Because of its special doubling mistake and limited quantity, coin collectors really like this coin.
Whether you’re new to collecting coins or have done it for a while, this coin is important in the history of coins, and it’s very rare to find one in everyday use.
If you think you have a 1955 doubled die penny, it’s important to get it officially certified because there are fake ones out there.
