Across every hobby, passion, and field of interest are rare and coveted trophies. However, when it comes to coin collecting, some are prized simply for their imperfections. Devoted coin collectors may be familiar with the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent for this very reason. If you are not acquainted with this numismatic anomaly, the following overview might pique your interest.

A Brief History of the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent

What Is It?

This coin is significant for the doubling of the “heads” side of the coin especially in the year of production and the inscriptions “LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST." The obverse (heads) die was impressed twice, once out of register, to produce the mirror image.

How Was It Created?

The anomaly was the result of a manufacturing mistake made at the Philadelphia Mint in 1955. The obverse die was impressed twice with a rotation of the master die between impressions creating the doubled image.  

The inspectors at the Mint missed the error when inspecting the finished dies .  Many of the doubled die cents were thus mixed in with correctly minted coins. Experts estimate that around 20,000 to 24,000 were included in the 10 million coins minted.

Why Is It Special?

While these coins became collectibles in the same year they were created, many were still put into circulation. The 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cents are hard to find and in high demand among coin collectors. Depending on their condition these coins can be worth hundreds, even thousands, of dollars.  If you have one of these rarities, stop in any Coins Plus location for an appraisal.

If you are interested in becoming a coin collector and want to learn more about the 1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent, turn to Coins Plus of Cincinnati, OH. These award winning coin dealers have offered a wide range of coveted collectibles since 1972, and they would be happy to assist you today. For more on their selection, visit their website or call (513) 621-1996.