1955 Double Die Penny Value: A Mint Mistake Worth Thousands

Coins are not made perfect. However flawless coins are meant to be, accidental errors do exist, and their worth is far higher than that of an ordinary instance. One of the most popular error types is a double die, and its connection to pennies (=cents) is extraordinarily valuable.

Let us take the example of 1955 cents. What does the 1955 wheat penny double die mean? What does it look like, and how much would it cost today? In this material, we are going through the most essential details to check coin value efficiently. Nemo sine vitio est.

What Is a Double Die Penny? 

Double die penny is a one-cent coin that exhibits the misalignment in its design caused during the die-making process. This means that the coin die is engraved twice with the second time being out of the position originally presupposed by the designer. As a result, design elements (e.g., the date, inscriptions, or graphics) are apparently doubled.

Besides, it is crucial to note that a truly doubled die (also called the "double die") differs from coins struck twice. A doubled-die coin bears the error built into the die, so each coin struck with the use of it will have the same doubling pattern. That is what makes coins like the 1955 double die wheat penny so one-of-a-kind. Though there were roughly 40,000 instances produced, more than half ended up in circulation. Valuable yet not so limited in broader terms.

Related articles: 20 Error Pennies That Could Make You Rich

Features That Identify Double Die Penny 1955

Spotting a 1955 double die Lincoln penny does not necessarily require any special equipment (though it is always highly recommended). Here are a few obvious features to look for with the naked eye: 

• Strong Doubling on the Inscriptions: The most striking characteristic of the 1955 1C is the strong doubling on the words and numbers rather than the portrait itself. 

• The Reverse Is Normal: As a rule, the doubling is only characteristic of the obverse side, which reverse stays the same. This is what should be taken into consideration when distinguishing the true error from mechanical or post-mint damage.

• Clean Doubling: The lines and patterns are nevertheless well-shaped and rounded. When the doubling looks sharp and 3D, it is good.

Although the coin’s surface demonstrates a unique, exclusive error, it is important to know the characteristics of the 1955 wheat penny in general.

What Is the 1955 Double Die Penny Worth? 

As a rule, the worth of each coin is determined by a few factors considered simultaneously. This usually comes down to the grade of a particular instance, designations (that refer to the color of the coin), and other special attributes like collector’s interest and metal rates that fluctuate all the time. Let us start with what the general market may boast.

Brown (BN)

These are the most common and most affordable among circulated examples. The color indicates that a penny has toned over time, losing most of its original red luster.

• Circulated (VG to XF): $700 – $1,200

• Uncirculated (MS60 – MS63): $1,500 – $3,000

• Higher MS Grades (MS64 – MS65): $4,000 – $8,000+

Red-Brown (RB) 

Coins with a mix of red and brown coloring are more desirable, especially in higher grades.

• Uncirculated (MS63 – MS64): $4,000 – $10,000

• MS65+: $10,000 – $20,000+

Red (RD) 

These are the most coveted examples because they have retained their original red mint luster. They are rare and command the highest prices – even outside of pompous auction settings.

• Uncirculated (MS63 – MS64): $10,000 – $25,000

• MS65+: Often $30,000 and up in private sales or dealer listings

Auction Data

Nonetheless, auctions are the best at showing how valuable items may be. So, what do they demonstrate and how much is a 1955 double die penny worth? 

*Keep in mind that auctions showcase the most extreme prices paid for pristine examples, and the average collector market is different.

Easily Check Values with Coin ID Scanner

Have you ever wondered if your collection residents, be they Canadian pennies or any other numismatic creations alike, could be worth a fortune? With Coin ID Scanner, you can do it with a few clicks. Our app uses advanced image recognition and real-time market data to help you identify, grade, and value coins from all over the world (DDO instances included). 

Just snap a photo of your coin, and Coin ID Scanner will instantly analyze vital features like date, mintmark, condition, and potential errors. This is how you will get an accurate estimate of its current market value, recent sale prices, and collector demand (as well as its special attributes and the rest of the relevant data). 

Download Coin ID Scanner today and start your numismatic journey with a digital assistant always by your side. Remember: one cent does not always mean one cent!