If you’ve been collecting coins for a while—or even if you’re brand new to the hobby—there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the 1955 Doubled Die Penny. It’s one of the most famous and sought-after error coins in United States history, and for good reason.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this iconic coin: what it is, how the error happened, how to identify it, what it’s worth, and how to start hunting for one yourself.
What Is a Doubled Die Error?
Before we dive into the 1955 version, it helps to understand what a doubled die actually is.
A doubled die occurs during the hub-to-die creation process, where the coin’s design is transferred to the die that strikes planchets (coin blanks). If the hub impresses the design onto the die more than once, but slightly misaligned, it creates a noticeable doubling in the design. This isn’t the same as “machine doubling” (a far more common and far less valuable type of error); this is a true die variety, and it’s permanent for every coin struck from that die.
What Happened in 1955?
In 1955, at the Philadelphia Mint, a single die used to strike Lincoln Cents received a dramatic doubled image. This error wasn’t caught right away, and approximately 24,000 coins were struck and released into circulation before the mistake was discovered.
What makes the 1955 Doubled Die Penny so famous is just how dramatic and obvious the doubling is—you don’t need a magnifying glass to see it. The doubling is most visible in the date and inscriptions, including “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
How to Identify a 1955 Doubled Die Penny
If you think you might have one of these coins (or you’re hunting for one), here are the key things to look for:
🔍 Key Diagnostics:
-
Strong doubling on the date “1955” – the two impressions are very clear and offset.
-
Clear doubling on “LIBERTY” – each letter appears doubled to the naked eye.
-
“IN GOD WE TRUST” is also doubled, especially in the word “TRUST.”
-
It’s a Philadelphia-minted coin, so no mintmark will appear under the date.
It’s important to note that many counterfeits and lookalikes exist, including coins with mechanical (machine) doubling, which is flatter and more shelf-like. Authentic 1955 doubled die cents have rounded, well-defined doubling caused by a misaligned hubbing process.
What Is the 1955 Doubled Die Penny Worth?
The value depends heavily on the condition of the coin. Since many of these entered circulation, high-grade examples are much rarer.
| Grade | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $1,200 – $1,500 |
| Fine (F-12) | $2,000 – $2,500 |
| Extremely Fine (XF-40) | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $15,000 – $25,000+ |
| Gem BU (MS-65 or higher) | $40,000+ |