1955 Doubled Die Penny Value: What a Real One Is Worth
A genuine 1955 doubled die penny is worth about $790 even in worn Good condition and around $1,500 to $1,900 in Very Fine to About Uncirculated. Uncirculated examples run from about $5,600 to $18,700 and up. Most 1955 pennies are normal and worth a few cents, and this error is heavily faked.
- How many
- Mint records indicate about 40,000 were struck, and an estimated 20,000 to 24,000 were released.
- Mint mark
- None. Every 1955 doubled die is from Philadelphia. A 1955-D or 1955-S is not this variety.
- What is doubled
- The date, LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. The back is normal.
Value by grade
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G4) | $790 |
| Very Good (VG8) | $1,064 |
| Fine (F12) | $1,244 |
| Very Fine (VF20) | $1,523 |
| Extremely Fine (EF40) | $1,675 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | $1,879 |
| Uncirculated (MS60) | $5,625 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS63) | $18,707 |
Retail values from USA Coin Book. At the top end, a PCGS MS65+RD example sold for $287,156.25 at GreatCollections in January 2023 (PCGS). Values checked Oct 8, 2026.
What to look for
- The doubling is bold. You can see two sets of numbers in the date and two outlines on every letter of LIBERTY without a magnifier.
- There is no mint mark under the date.
- The back of the coin shows normal wheat stalks with no doubling.
Fakes and lookalikes
- This is one of the most counterfeited US coins. Cast copies often have mushy details, the wrong color, or seams on the edge.
- Machine doubling (also called strike doubling) makes flat, shelf-like ghost edges. On the real thing each doubled letter is fully formed and rounded.
- At these prices, buy only coins certified by PCGS or NGC.
Find the keepers in your coin jar
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FAQ
How can I tell if my 1955 penny is a doubled die?
Look at the date and LIBERTY. On the real coin the doubling is obvious to the naked eye and every letter is doubled. If you need a strong loupe to see it, it is almost certainly not the 1955 doubled die.
Is a 1955-D penny a doubled die?
No. The famous 1955 doubled die has no mint mark. Normal 1955-D and 1955-S pennies are common.
What is a normal 1955 penny worth?
A few cents in circulated condition. USA Coin Book lists the regular 1955 at about 6 to 18 cents in Fine to About Uncirculated.
Should I get my 1955 doubled die graded?
Yes. If it shows bold doubling, send it to PCGS or NGC. A certified coin sells for far more than a raw one because buyers know it is real.
Related coins
Sources
Values are retail estimates or recorded sale prices from the sources above, checked Oct 8, 2026. What a dealer pays you is usually less than retail.
Also available as Markdown.