Why the 1955 Double Die Penny Is Worth Watching
The 1955 Double Die penny is a well-known error coin that shows noticeable doubling on the obverse lettering and date. Collectors prize it because the doubling is dramatic and easy to spot, which makes verified examples highly collectible.
High-grade, authenticated specimens can command very high prices at auction. Understanding how to spot, authenticate, and market one is essential if you think you own one.
How to Identify a 1955 Double Die Penny
Look for clear doubling on the date, the word LIBERTY, and portions of IN GOD WE TRUST. The doubling on the 1955 obverse is usually broad and separated, not the faint machine doubling seen on many coins.
Key visual checks:
- Strong, separated doubling on the date and letters.
- No doubling on the reverse—this is an obverse error.
- Compare with reference photos from PCGS or NGC.
Why Authentication and Grading Matter
Trusted third-party grading services (PCGS, NGC) authenticate and grade coins. A certified coin with a high grade greatly increases buyer confidence and often the final price.
Never assume value from a raw coin photo. Submission to grading services includes inspection for authenticity, level of details, and whether the coin has been altered.
How Grading Affects a 1955 Double Die Penny
Grades range from heavily circulated to mint state (MS60–MS67+). Each step up in grade can multiply a coin’s market value, especially past MS60 where doubling remains sharp and luster is intact.
Examples of grade impact:
- Circulated example: modestly valuable relative to typical cents.
- MS63–MS65: collector demand rises and so does price.
- MS66–MS67: rarity of pristine examples often pushes prices into six or seven figures for the very best coins.
The 1955 Double Die is one of the most famous Lincoln cent errors; its doubling was caused by misalignment during the die creation process rather than a strike error.
Top 5 Coins to Watch
Beyond the 1955 Double Die penny, these five coins often draw attention from collectors and investors. Watch market trends, grading, and provenance.
- 1955 Double Die Penny — Iconic error with dramatic doubling on the obverse. High-grade examples are the most valuable.
- 1943 Bronze Lincoln Cent — Mistakes from the steel-to-bronze transition command premium prices for authenticated examples.
- 1909-S VDB Lincoln Cent — Low-mintage San Francisco issue; condition-sensitive and historically important.
- 1916-D Mercury Dime — Key date in series, often scarce in higher grades.
- 1804 Silver Dollar — Extremely rare and legendary; typically appears in elite auctions with heavy provenance requirements.
Why These Coins Move Markets
Each coin has a mix of rarity, historical significance, and collector demand. Errors like the 1955 doubled die add an extra layer of appeal because they are visually distinct and easy to show to buyers.
Where to Buy, Sell, and Authenticate
Use reputable auction houses, dealer networks, and third-party graders. Major platforms include Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, and certified dealers listed by PCGS or NGC.
Steps to a safe transaction:
- Get an initial quote from a trusted dealer.
- Submit the coin to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.
- List certified coins at auction or with a broker who specializes in rare coins.
Practical Tips for Sellers and Buyers
For sellers, document provenance and avoid quick private sales until the coin is graded. For buyers, insist on certification and use third-party escrow for high-value purchases.
Other practical tips:
- Photograph the coin in good light and submit clear images when requesting dealer opinions.
- Consider insurance for shipment and while stored with a grading service.
- Track recent auction results to set realistic price expectations.
Small Case Study: Grading Changed the Outcome
A Midwest collector found a worn 1955 cent in mixed change and got a dealer opinion that it could be a doubled die. After submitting the coin to a major grading service, the coin was certified as a true doubled die in high-end circulated grade.
Because of the certification, the collector sold the coin through a specialist auction house and received several competitive bids. The example shows how authentication and the right marketplace can change the final sale price significantly.
Final Checklist Before You Sell or Buy
Use this quick checklist to avoid common mistakes and ensure better outcomes when dealing with a 1955 Double Die penny or other high-value coins.
- Verify doubling with trusted reference images.
- Submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.
- Get multiple dealer opinions before accepting an offer.
- Use insured shipping and reputable auction platforms for sales.
By following authentication and grading steps, and by watching market trends, collectors can make informed decisions about buying or selling a 1955 Double Die penny or the other coins on the watch list.