The 1955 double die penny is one of the most talked-about error coins among collectors. Its dramatic doubling on the obverse makes it easy to spot and highly desirable when found in good condition. This article explains why the coin is valuable, whether it could reach a $1 million price, and five other coins collectors should watch.
Why the 1955 Double Die Penny Is Valuable
The value of a 1955 double die penny comes from a combination of visibility, rarity in high grades, and collector demand. The doubled image on Lincoln’s profile and the date is a true die doubling, not just an optical or strike anomaly.
Collectors prize coins that show a clear, obvious doubled die because the error is dramatic and easy to verify. That visibility helps the coin maintain interest among both beginners and advanced collectors.
Could the 1955 Double Die Penny Reach $1 Million?
A $1 million price is possible in theory, but it would require a near-perfect specimen with exceptional provenance and a hot market. Coins reach that level when several factors align:
- High grade (typically mint state MS65 or above for modern cents).
- Certification from a trusted grading service and a clear pedigree or ownership history.
- Strong bidder interest at major auctions or private sale competition between deep-pocket collectors.
- Low population reports at the top grades, meaning few or no comparable examples exist.
In other words, the rarest examples with documented provenance and exceptional eye appeal have the best chance of achieving extreme values. That said, most surviving 1955 double die pennies trade for far less than seven figures.
What Drives Value: Practical Checklist
- Grade: Higher numeric grades dramatically increase value.
- Eye appeal: Clean surfaces, strong strike, and original luster matter.
- Certification: Grading by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS adds buyer confidence.
- Provenance: Auction records or pedigree can add a premium.
- Market timing: Demand for classic Lincoln cents can spike with media attention.
Top 5 Coins to Watch
Collectors and investors should monitor these five types of coins. Each has clear reasons for attention and potential value growth.
- 1955 Double Die Penny — The headline coin. Look for obvious doubling on Lincoln’s profile and date. Condition and certification are critical.
- 1943 Bronze Lincoln Penny — A wartime alloy mistake. Extremely rare and historically famous when found in original or high grade.
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent — A sought-after early Lincoln cent with low mintage and strong collector demand.
- Key Morgan and Peace Dollars — Certain dates and mintmarks have low survival rates in high grades and remain favorites.
- Key-date early silver and gold coins — Low mintage dates, mint errors, and pieces with exceptional provenance are always on the watch list.
These coins cover a range of prices and collecting goals. Some are accessible to hobbyists, while others are high-end collectibles that require specialist knowledge.
How to Evaluate a Potential High-Value 1955 Double Die
Follow a clear step-by-step approach to reduce risk when buying or valuing a 1955 double die penny.
- Inspect for clear, strong doubling on the obverse fields, date, and inscriptions.
- Check for wear patterns and surface issues like scratches, cleaning, or damage.
- Get the coin slabbed by a respected grading service if you suspect high grade.
- Compare population reports and recent auction results for similar grade examples.
- Consider third-party opinions from experienced Lincoln cent specialists before bidding large sums.
The term “double die” refers to a mistake in the working die used to strike coins, not to the coin being struck twice. The 1955 doubled die displays very visible doubling because the die itself was misaligned during hubbing.
Small Real-World Example
At a regional coin show, a collector brought a worn 1955 Lincoln cent showing clear doubling to a dealer. After informal verification and advice to obtain grading, the owner had the coin slabbed and placed it for sale through a specialist dealer. The exposure to a wider market and the grading helped the coin attract serious collectors rather than casual buyers, illustrating how certification and market placement influence realized value.
Final Practical Tips for Collectors
- Always verify doubling with magnification and reference photos before assuming value.
- Use trusted grading houses when buying high-value error coins.
- Document provenance and condition carefully; good records increase buyer confidence.
- Watch auction results and population reports to spot trends in demand and price movement.
Watching the 1955 double die penny and the other top coins listed here requires patience and disciplined buying. With the right grading and market conditions, exceptional examples can command very high prices, though seven-figure outcomes depend on a rare combination of grade, provenance, and collector demand.