Description:

Coins & Currency
[Philadelphia, PA], ca. 1955
1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent
Currency

A highly collectable doubled die variety of the one cent coin, minted 1955. Measuring .75" in diameter and housed within a 2" protective display case. Recto features Abraham Lincoln's right-facing portrait with heavily doubled inscriptions "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "1955." Verso displays the traditional Wheat Ears design with inscriptions "ONE CENT," "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," and "E. PLURIBUS UNUM." Exhibits light surface scratching with minor edge wear verso. Slight patina present throughout. Desirable AU condition.

During a routine production run at the Philadelphia Mint in 1955, a misalignment between the working die and the hub resulted in a doubled image on a small number of obverse dies. These flawed dies were mistakenly used to strike tens of thousands of Lincoln cents. Despite quality control protocols, it is estimated that 40,000 of these coins were minted, with approximately half of the pennies being introduced into circulation. Unlike other, more subtle doubled die varieties, the 1955 error remains among the most distinct and recognizable.

This lot comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: .75" dia.
  • Medium: Currency

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Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

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After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

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January 7, 2026 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000