1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny – In the world of rare coins, some discoveries are truly unbelievable—and this one is no exception. A 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln penny, discovered inside an old cookie jar in a dusty attic, has recently made headlines after being auctioned for a jaw-dropping $144,000. What makes this story even more astonishing is the humble origin of this penny: it was found by a family cleaning out their late grandmother’s home, tucked away among other forgotten trinkets. This particular coin is not just any old penny. It belongs to a rare class of minting errors called “Doubled Die Obverse” coins. These coins show noticeable doubling of the year, lettering, and inscriptions—an error caused during the minting process that creates overlapping images. The 1955 Doubled Die penny is one of the most famous and sought-after coins among collectors worldwide, thanks to its unique look, historical context, and extreme scarcity.
Why the 1955 Doubled Die Penny Is So Valuable
The value of this coin lies in its rarity and distinctive error. Only around 20,000–24,000 of these error coins were released accidentally into circulation.
- Type of Error: Doubled Die Obverse (visible doubling on front side)
- Total Mintage: Roughly 20,000 (out of 330 million total 1955 pennies)
- Release Method: Accidentally mixed into a batch of circulation coins
- Collector Interest: Extremely high due to historical fame
- Condition Sensitivity: Value increases dramatically with better condition
Here’s a table showing approximate values based on coin grade:
| Coin Grade (Condition) | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| Poor to Good (G4) | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Very Fine (VF20) | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Extremely Fine (EF40) | $7,500 – $10,000 |
| About Uncirculated (AU50) | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Mint State (MS63) | $35,000 – $60,000 |
| Mint State (MS65+) | $85,000 – $144,000+ |
The Cookie Jar Discovery: How It Was Found
This incredible coin was found by the Johnson family of Ohio while clearing their grandmother’s house after her passing.
- The penny was in a cookie jar mixed with wheat pennies and foreign coins
- It remained untouched for over 40 years
- A grandchild noticed the doubling on the date and sent it for authentication
- It was graded MS65 Red by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- It fetched $144,000 in a major online coin auction
Key Takeaways from the Discovery
- Always check old family belongings, especially jars, tins, and drawers
- Even small items like pennies could hold life-changing value
- Coin collecting errors can be extremely valuable when authenticated
How to Identify a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
At first glance, it may look like any other penny, but a closer look can reveal the doubling features that define this minting error.
Main Features to Look For
- Doubling of “LIBERTY” – especially noticeable
- Doubling of the date “1955” – very prominent
- Doubling of “IN GOD WE TRUST”
- Lincoln’s face and other design elements are not doubled
- Visible to the naked eye without magnification
What It’s NOT
- Not a 1955 penny with slight blurring or misalignment
- Not a “machine doubling” or “strike doubling” variant (which are less valuable)
Where to Look for Rare Coins Like This
If you’re feeling inspired to go on your own treasure hunt, start by checking everyday places where old coins may have been stored.
Top Places to Check at Home
- Old coin jars or piggy banks
- Inside drawers or cabinets
- Inherited coin collections
- Inside old books or photo albums
- Storage boxes in basements or attics
- Safety deposit boxes or lockboxes
Tips for Collectors and Beginners
Even if you’re new to coin collecting, there are steps you can take to determine if a coin is valuable:
- Use a magnifying glass to inspect coins closely
- Look for odd features, especially on older coins
- Visit websites like PCGS or NGC for reference images
- Use online marketplaces like eBay to check recent sales
- Join Facebook groups or Reddit forums for coin collecting
Grading and Selling a Rare Penny
If you think you’ve found something rare, don’t rush to sell it without grading.
Step-by-Step to Authenticate and Sell
- Do initial research on the coin’s error and features
- Contact a reputable grading service (e.g., PCGS, NGC)
- Mail the coin securely for authentication
- Get the coin graded (you’ll receive a sealed slab with the grade)
- Sell via trusted auction houses or online marketplaces
Here’s a table of top grading services:
| Grading Service | Website | Cost (Basic Tier) | Trusted By |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCGS | www.pcgs.com | $40 – $60 | Global |
| NGC | www.ngccoin.com | $40 – $70 | Global |
| ANACS | www.anacs.com | $30 – $50 | U.S. |
The recent sale of a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln penny for $144,000 is a reminder that incredible treasures may be hiding in plain sight—even in an old cookie jar. For coin collectors and everyday people alike, this discovery shows the true value of being curious, observant, and a little bit lucky. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or someone going through a family heirloom, don’t underestimate the power of a penny. It might just be your ticket to a fortune.
FAQs of 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny
Q1. What is a doubled die penny?
A doubled die penny is a coin with duplicated design elements due to a minting error during the die creation process.
Q2. How many 1955 Doubled Die pennies are still in existence?
Estimates suggest fewer than 15,000 survive today in varying conditions.
Q3. How do I get my coin graded?
You can submit your coin to services like PCGS or NGC by creating an account and mailing it securely.
Q4. Can I find valuable coins in everyday change?
Yes, though rare, many collectors have found error coins or old pennies worth thousands in circulation.
Q5. What’s the easiest way to identify a 1955 Doubled Die penny?
Look for strong, visible doubling in the year “1955”, the word “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
