The U.S. Mint has produced Lincoln pennies for over a century, and they remain a favorite for coin collectors. Older Lincoln pennies, especially wheat pennies (1909-1958), are worth more than many modern pennies. Among these, the 1955 Lincoln Wheat Penny stands out, with some versions reaching high auction prices!
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History of the Lincoln Penny
First minted in 1909, the Lincoln penny was designed by artist Victor David Brenner. This first version, known as the “wheat penny,” features Lincoln’s profile on one side and two wheat stalks on the other. The design was updated in 1959, replacing the wheat stalks with the Lincoln Memorial.
In 1955, four main varieties of the Lincoln Wheat Penny were minted in different U.S. locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (marked “D”), and San Francisco (marked “S”). These coins have a copper composition, adding to their unique look and appeal.
Notable Varieties of the 1955 Penny
- 1955-D (Denver Mint): The Denver Mint produced over 563 million pennies in 1955, the highest count for that year. Although many circulated pennies exist, finding one in top, uncirculated condition is rare and valuable.
- 1955-P (Philadelphia Mint): Produced without a mint mark, the 1955-P penny was minted in Philadelphia, known for less strict quality control. These pennies were frequently saved because collectors knew their worth would grow over time.
- 1955 Proof Penny: Proof coins, minted with extra care, show sharper details and shine. These are rare, as only about 378,000 were produced in 1955, making them highly sought-after by collectors.
- 1955-S (San Francisco Mint): With a lower production number of about 44 million, San Francisco’s 1955 pennies are especially valuable when found in mint condition.
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1955 Penny Errors and Value
Coins with mint errors can be especially valuable, and the 1955 Lincoln penny is no exception. The famous “Doubled Die Obverse” (DDO) error occurred when the die stamped the coin twice, creating a doubling effect. This error, unique to the 1955-P version, can make these pennies worth thousands. Other errors include off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and weak strikes, each adding uniqueness to the coin.
In March 2018, a 1955 penny with a DDO error sold for an incredible $114,000!
How Much is a 1955 Lincoln Penny Worth Today?
While a typical 1955 penny might be worth just a few cents, one in mint condition can range from $10 to over $1,000. Here’s a quick look at the values:
- 1955-D: Ranges from $0.01 to $8 in circulated condition; uncirculated pennies can go from $10 to over $1,000.
- 1955-P with Doubled Die Error: Extremely valuable, especially in high grades. Prices can reach over $100,000.
- Proof 1955 Penny: Can fetch from $1 to over $300, depending on condition.
Condition matters a lot! Coins are graded on a scale from P-1 (Poor) to MS-70 (Mint State Perfect). Higher-grade coins are more valuable, especially when they are rare varieties or have errors.
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Where to Buy or Sell the 1955 Penny
For those looking to buy or sell a 1955 Lincoln penny, there are options both online and offline. Websites like eBay or specialized coin marketplaces, as well as local coin shops, pawnshops, and even antique stores, are good places to check.
FAQs
- What makes the 1955 penny rare?
The rarest 1955 penny is the one with the Doubled Die Obverse error, where the stamping doubled the inscriptions on the coin. - How many 1955 doubled die pennies are there?
Around 20,000-24,000 were released, making them highly valuable if found. - What is the most valuable 1955 penny?
The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse penny holds the record, selling for over $100,000 in excellent condition.