1955-Doubled Die Small Cents Lincoln, Wheat Ears Reverse NGC AU-55 BN

Discover a true numismatic treasure with this exceptional 1955 Doubled Die Small Cents Lincoln Wheat Ears Reverse coin, professionally graded by NGC as AU-55 BN. This iconic error coin stands as one of the most famous and sought-after varieties in American coin collecting history, offering collectors a remarkable piece of minting history from the mid-20th century United States Mint.

The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is legendary among error coin enthusiasts and serious numismatists alike. Created when the working die was improperly hubbed twice, resulting in dramatic doubling visible on the date, inscriptions, and design elements, this variety remains a cornerstone of any advanced Lincoln Wheat Cent collection. The coin features the classic Wheat Ears reverse design, which was used on Lincoln Cents from 1909 through 1958, making it a beloved piece of Americana that connects collectors to both presidential history and post-war American culture.

Graded by NGC as About Uncirculated 55 Brown (AU-55 BN), this specimen displays attractive chocolate-brown surfaces with traces of original mint luster still visible around the devices. The doubling is bold and unmistakable, particularly on the date "1955" where both the numerals and surrounding lettering show clear separation. This level of preservation is highly desirable for a doubled die error of this age, as many examples have been heavily circulated or improperly cleaned over the decades.

Collectors and investors searching for 1955 doubled die pennies, NGC certified Lincoln cents, or premium error coins will appreciate the historical significance and visual impact of this piece. Whether you're building a complete set of Lincoln Wheat Cents, expanding your error coin collection, or simply looking for a conversation-starting numismatic rarity, this 1955 Doubled Die offers both exceptional quality and impressive value appreciation potential in the rare coin market.

Coin Specifications

• Year: 1955
• Mint: Philadelphia (No mint mark)
• Denomination: 1 Cent
• Composition: 95% Copper, 5% Tin & Zinc
• Diameter: 19.05 mm
• Weight: 3.11 grams
• Designer: Victor David Brenner (Obverse & Reverse)
• Variety: Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101)
• Reverse Type: Wheat Ears
• Grade: NGC AU-55 BN (Brown)
• Certification: NGC Encapsulated

Historical Background

The story of the 1955 Doubled Die Cent begins at the Philadelphia Mint during a period of high demand for coinage following World War II. In a rush to meet production quotas, mint employees inadvertently created one of the most dramatic doubled die varieties in U.S. coinage history. The error occurred when a die was hubbed twice with a slight rotational misalignment between impressions, creating the distinctive doubling that makes these coins instantly recognizable to collectors.

When the variety was first discovered in the mid-1950s, coin dealers and collectors initially dismissed many examples as counterfeits or alterations due to the extreme nature of the doubling. However, as more specimens surfaced, numismatists soon realized these were genuine mint errors of significant rarity. The 1955 Doubled Die quickly gained legendary status, appearing in major auction catalogs and becoming a must-have for serious Lincoln Cent collectors.

Today, the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Wheat Cent remains one of the most popular and valuable error coins in the entire U.S. series. Its fame extends far beyond numismatic circles, often being referenced in mainstream publications and television shows about coin collecting. The combination of its dramatic visual appearance, relatively low original mintage of error specimens, and historical context has made certified examples like this NGC AU-55 BN increasingly difficult to acquire as demand continues to grow among both veteran collectors and new enthusiasts entering the market.

Each 1955 Doubled Die Cent tells a story of American minting practices during an important transitional period in our nation's history. From the end of the Wheat Ear design era to the beginning of the modern Lincoln Memorial reverse in 1959, these coins represent a pivotal moment in both numismatics and American cultural history. Owning an authentically graded example provides not only a tangible connection to this fascinating story but also a sound addition to any discerning coin portfolio.

Whether displayed in your collection, shared with fellow enthusiasts, or passed down to future generations, this certified 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent represents one of the finest examples of American numismatic error coins available to collectors today. Its bold doubling, attractive brown patina, and respected NGC grading make it an outstanding choice for both beginning and advanced collectors seeking a truly significant piece of United States coinage history.