In an amazing find, a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent was discovered in a safe deposit box. This old coin later sold at auction for a huge amount—$124,875. This shows how valuable and exciting rare coins can be for collectors.
What Is the 1955 Doubled Die Penny?
The 1955 Doubled Die Penny is one of the most famous error coins in the United States. It was made at the Philadelphia Mint. A mistake happened when the die was not aligned properly. This caused some parts of the coin’s front side (called the obverse) to appear doubled.
You can clearly see the doubling on:
- The word “LIBERTY”
- The phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- The date “1955”
These parts look like they were printed twice, making this coin very easy to spot. That’s why collectors love it so much.
Coin Details at a Glance
Here is a table with the coin’s important features:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 1955 |
| Mint | Philadelphia (No mint mark) |
| Error Type | Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101) |
| Visible Doubling | LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1955 |
| Metal Composition | 95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc |
| Weight | 3.11 grams |
| Diameter | 19.05 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Estimated Mintage | Around 24,000 |
| Estimated Survivors | 10,000–15,000 |
| Market Value Range | $1,000 – $125,000+ |
How Was the Coin Found?
This special coin was hidden away in a safe deposit box for many years. Nobody touched it for decades.
Once found, it was sent to be checked by experts. It got a very high grade of MS-65+ RD from PCGS and was also approved by CAC.
On March 1, 2020, the coin was sold at an auction by GreatCollections. It was the best-known example of its kind and sold for $124,875. That set a new record price for this type of coin.
How Can You Tell If You Have a 1955 Doubled Die Penny?
Think you might have one of these rare coins? Here’s what to look for:
- Bold Doubling: Check the words “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date “1955.” The letters and numbers should look like they have a shadow or second layer.
- No Mint Mark: This coin was made in Philadelphia, so there should be no mint mark.
- Strong Details: The doubled parts should stand out clearly, not look flat or soft like machine-made doubling.
If you think your coin matches, do not clean it. Cleaning can lower its value. Instead, send it to a trusted coin grading service. They can tell you if it’s real and how much it’s worth.
Why This Coin Matters
The 1955 Doubled Die Penny is more than just an error. It’s a piece of history.
Its strong doubling makes it easy to spot. Its rarity makes it valuable. And its story—from being lost in a box to setting a world record—makes it even more exciting.
Even if you’re not a coin expert, it’s always worth checking your old coins. You never know—you might be holding something special.
FAQs
Should I clean the coin?
No, it may lose value.
How much is it worth?
Between $1,000 and over $125,000.
How many 1955 doubled die pennies exist?
About 10,000–15,000 are still around.
Where was the 1955 penny made?
At the Philadelphia Mint.
What is a doubled die penny?
A coin with letters or numbers printed twice.