1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent FS-101 PCGS AU55

You’re looking at one of the most famous and recognizable error coins in U.S. numismatics: the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent. Here’s a detailed explanation of its characteristics and what the grading means:

The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent

• What is a “Doubled Die”? A doubled die error occurs during the minting process when the die (the metal tool that stamps the coin’s design) receives multiple impressions from the working hub, and these impressions are slightly misaligned.¹ This results in a clear, visible doubling of design elements on the coins struck from that die.
• Why is the 1955 so famous? The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) is exceptionally dramatic and easily visible to the naked eye.² The most prominent doubling appears on:
  • The date “1955”
  • The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”³
  • The word “LIBERTY”
  • To a lesser extent, elements of Lincoln’s bust (eyelid, lips, nose).
• Historical Context: This error happened at the Philadelphia Mint during a period of high demand for cents.⁴ It’s believed that an estimated 20,000 to 24,000 of these error coins were struck and accidentally released into circulation, often found as change in cigarette packs.⁵ The dramatic nature of the doubling and its discovery by ordinary citizens significantly boosted the popularity of error coin collecting.
• Rarity: While not incredibly rare in absolute terms (compared to some other truly unique errors), the 1955 DDO is highly sought after due to its striking appearance and historical significance. Most examples found are in circulated condition.

PCGS AU55 FS-101 Grading:

• PCGS: This stands for Professional Coin Grading Service, one of the two leading third-party coin grading services (along with NGC).⁶ A PCGS certification guarantees the coin’s authenticity and provides a professional, impartial assessment of its condition.
• AU55: This is the numerical grade assigned to the coin. “AU” stands for “About Uncirculated.”
  • AU55 indicates that the coin has slight traces of wear on the highest points of the design, but still retains much of its original luster. For a 1955 DDO, this means the doubling is very clear, and the coin has minimal wear from circulation. It’s a highly desirable grade for this error.
• FS-101: This is a Fivaz-Stanton (FS) designation for specific die varieties.⁷ FS-101 specifically identifies the widely recognized and dramatic 1955 Doubled Die Obverse variety of the Lincoln Cent.⁸ This confirms that it’s the genuine and highly sought-after error, not a less significant form of doubling (like mechanical doubling or “Poor Man’s Doubled Die”).

Value and Collectibility:

The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent is a cornerstone for many error coin collectors and Lincoln Cent enthusiasts. Its iconic status means it consistently commands strong prices.

For a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent graded PCGS AU55 FS-101, the value can range significantly based on factors like:

• Eye Appeal: How strong and clear the doubling appears, the coin’s overall attractiveness, and absence of distracting spots or toning.
• Color Designation (Red, Red-Brown, Brown): While not explicitly stated in your query, PCGS also assigns a color designation to copper coins (RD for Red, RB for Red-Brown, BN for Brown).⁹ Higher grades with more original red luster typically command higher prices. An AU55 would likely be graded as BN or RB.

Based on recent auction results and price guides, a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Cent in PCGS AU55 condition (assuming a BN or RB color) would typically sell in the range of $1,800 to $2,800 or more.¹⁰ Coins with exceptional eye appeal or a CAC sticker (indicating strong for the grade) could reach even higher values.

This is a very desirable coin for any collection!