1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent and a Changing Era in Numismatics

The Iconic 1955 Doubled Die Penny: A Collector’s Treasure

The 1955 Doubled Die Penny stands as one of the most renowned and desirable error coins in U.S. numismatic history. Distinguished by its unmistakable doubling of the date and inscriptions on the obverse, this coin captures the fascination of collectors and investors alike. Depending on its condition, its value ranges from a few hundred dollars to over $50,000, with top-grade examples commanding extraordinary auction prices.

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Why 1955 Was a Pivotal Year in Numismatics

The year 1955 marked a turning point in American coin collecting. Some see it as the end of the classic era of numismatics, transitioning into a more modern hobby. Others attribute that shift to 1964 when silver coins were replaced with clad compositions for circulation.

It was also a year of historically low mintages across several coin series. For example:

• The 1955 Roosevelt dime holds the title of the lowest-mintage regular issue in its series.
• The 1955-D Washington quarter is the rarest of quarters minted between 1941 and 1964.
• The 1955 Franklin half dollar is a key date in its series, notable for the “Bugs Bunny” variety caused by die clashes.

Compounding these numismatic milestones was the announcement of the San Francisco Mint’s closure in January 1955. Known for producing key-date Lincoln cents such as the 1909-S VDB and 1931-S, the end of “S-mint” cents after 1955 led to widespread hoarding of that year’s 1955-S cents—even though they weren’t especially rare, with over 44 million minted.

How the 1955 Doubled Die Penny Came to Be

The 1955 Doubled Die Penny resulted from a minting error called a "doubled die," caused by the misalignment of the hub and die during the striking process. This error produced a clear doubling effect on the date and inscriptions, particularly “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

According to reports, multiple coin presses at the Philadelphia Mint were striking cents when an inspector identified the error. By that time, more than 40,000 coins had been produced. While approximately 16,000 of these coins were destroyed, around 24,000 made their way into circulation, often included as change in cigarette vending machines, which charged 23 cents per pack and dispensed two pennies as change.

Rarity and Value

Today, experts estimate that between 3,000 and 15,000 examples of the 1955 Doubled Die Penny still exist. Many were discovered shortly after their release, meaning surviving examples are often in relatively high grades. Coins grading Extra Fine can command $1,600, while mint-state examples begin at $2,400 and can reach $125,000 or more for top-grade specimens.

The current auction record for this coin is an MS65+ Red example that sold for $114,000 in 2018.

Beware of Counterfeits

With such high values, counterfeit 1955 Doubled Die Pennies are prevalent. Authentic coins feature specific diagnostics, such as vertical die polishing lines near the “T” in “ONE CENT” on the reverse. To ensure authenticity, collectors are advised to purchase professionally graded examples from reputable dealers or auction houses.

Impact on Coin Collecting

The discovery of the 1955 Doubled Die Penny coincided with a surge in interest in coin collecting during the 1950s and 1960s. Media coverage brought this error coin into the spotlight, driving demand and inspiring new collectors. Publications like Coin World and Numismatic News emerged during this era, fueling the hobby’s growth.

Fast Facts About the 1955 Doubled Die Penny

• What is a doubled die? A doubled die occurs when a die is misaligned during the hubbing process, creating a doubled image.
• How many were made? Around 24,000 were released into circulation.
• Where were they found? Many were given as change in cigarette vending machines.
• What’s it worth? Values range from $1,600 for worn examples to over $50,000 for mint-state coins, with some top specimens exceeding $100,000.
• How to protect yours? Store the coin in a protective holder and avoid handling it with bare hands to preserve its condition.

Why the 1955 Doubled Die Penny Matters

More than just a valuable error coin, the 1955 Doubled Die Penny symbolizes a pivotal moment in coin collecting history. Its discovery and widespread media coverage helped fuel the mid-20th-century boom in numismatics, inspiring countless individuals to take up the hobby.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious enthusiast, this legendary coin represents the allure of uncovering hidden treasures in everyday change—a reminder that history is often just a penny away.