Face Value: 1955 Cents

Nearly 1 billion 1955 Lincoln Cents were struck in what was an otherwise-ordinary year near the end of the Wheat Reverse series. However, a dramatic Doubled Die Obverse variety that had escaped quality control measures at the US Mint and made its way into circulation set off a frenzy well beyond the traditional numismatic circles several years later.

The worth of a 1955 Lincoln Cent will vary depending on the mint facility, grade, finish and variety, including the Doubled Die Obverse. Proof coins are generally worth more than their Mint State counterparts.

Another factor determining the market value is whether the coin has a Red (RD), Red-Brown (RB) or Brown (BN) designation. Specific criteria for the Lincoln Cent to be eligible for these designations is as follows:

• RD - exhibits at least 85% of its original red luster
• RB - exhibits at least 15% of its original red luster
• BN - exhibits less than 15% of its original red luster

1955 Proof Lincoln Cent

The Proofs, which were struck in Philadelphia, had a mintage of 378,200. In addition to the RD, RB or BN designations, Proof coinage will also vary in value depending on whether the coin qualifies for the Cameo or Ultra Cameo designation. According to the NGC Price Guide, a free resource provided by NGC, 1955 Proof Lincoln Cents are worth:

• RB: $8.50 (in PF 64) to $55 (in PF 68)
• RD: $7.50 (in PF 63) to $850 (in PF 69)
• RDC (Red Cameo): $19 (in PF 64) to $1,450 (in PF 68)
• RDU (Red Ultra Cameo): $62.50 (in PF 64) to $9,500 (in PF 68)

To learn more about the 1955 Proof Lincoln Cent and see the latest values from the NGC Price Guide, visit NGC Coin Explorer.

1955 Proof Lincoln Cent from NGC Coin Explorer Click images to enlarge.

1955 Lincoln Cent

The Philadelphia issue has a mintage of 330,958,000. According to the NGC Price Guide, Mint State 1955 Lincoln Cents are worth:

• BN: $0.50 to $12.50
• RB: $0.75 to $17.50
• RD: $2.50 to $5,500

To learn more about the 1955 Lincoln Cent and see the latest values from the NGC Price Guide, visit NGC Coin Explorer.

1955 Lincoln Cent from NGC Coin Explorer Click images to enlarge.

1955-D Lincoln Cent

The Denver issue has a mintage of 563,257,500. According to the NGC Price Guide, Mint State 1955-D Lincoln Cents are worth:

• BN: $0.50 to $12.50
• RB: $0.75 to $17.50
• RD: $2.50 to $1,350

To learn more about the 1955-D Lincoln Cent and see the latest values from the NGC Price Guide, visit NGC Coin Explorer.

1955-D Lincoln Cent from NGC Coin Explorer Click images to enlarge.

1955-S Lincoln Cent

The San Francisco issue has a mintage of 44,610,000. According to the NGC Price Guide, Mint State 1955-S Lincoln Cents are worth:

• BN: $0.50 to $25
• RB: $0.75 to $35
• RD: $2.50 to $9,750

To learn more about the 1955-S Lincoln Cent and see the latest values from the NGC Price Guide, visit NGC Coin Explorer.

1955-S Lincoln Cent from NGC Coin Explorer Click images to enlarge.

1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

This is the most dramatic doubled-die variety in United States coinage, with thousands of examples struck. It is believed to have occurred in the fall when the Mint had instituted 12-hour workdays to try to address a severe coin shortage. NGC has graded more than 3,900 examples, with a median grade of AU 58. According to the NGC Price Guide, coins are worth:

• BN: $1,150 (in Good) to $8,500 (in MS 65)
• RB: $2,900 (in MS 60) to $18,500 (in MS 66)
• RD: $4,400 (in MS 62) to $65,000 (in MS 66)

To learn more about the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent and see the latest values from the NGC Price Guide, visit NGC Coin Explorer.

1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent from NGC Coin Explorer Click images to enlarge.

1955 Lincoln Cents with Repunched Mintmark Varieties

If your 1955 Lincoln Cent lacks the Doubled Die Obverse, you can still check it for a repunched mintmark variety, which can carry a modest numismatic premium. There are three kinds of D/D varieties (VP-002, VP-003 and VP-004) and an S/S/S variety. An S/S/S graded NGC MS 65 RD was sold through Heritage Auctions in 2018 for $74, several times what a coin in the same grade without the variety would have sold for.

1955 Lincoln Cents with D/D (left) and S/S/S varities. Click images to enlarge.

All values are based on the NGC Price Guide as of November 2022.