Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States · 1955

A copper-colored United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1955
Denomination: One Cent ($0.01)
Metal: 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified May 20, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A copper-colored United States penny featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Lincoln Cent was first issued in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The 'Wheat' reverse design was used from 1909 until 1958, making 1955 one of the final years for this iconic design before the switch to the Lincoln Memorial reverse in 1959.

Obverse (front)

Right-facing portrait of Abraham Lincoln, designed by Victor David Brenner. Legends: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1955' with 'D' mint mark.

Reverse (back)

Two wheat ears frame the words 'ONE CENT' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. The motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' is at the top.

Estimated value

$0.05 - $0.25 in circulated condition; $2.00 - $15.00+ in Uncirculated (MS) condition.

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade and color (Red, Red-Brown, or Brown) are primary factors. The presence of specific errors like the famous 1955 Doubled Die (though this specific coin is from the Denver mint and not the rare Philadelphia doubled die) also affects value.

Grade assessment

Fine (F) to Very Fine (VF) - Visible wear on Lincoln's cheek and the wheat lines, but all major details and lettering are clear.

Mintage & rarity

Approx. 564,398,000 (Very common)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for correct weight (3.11g) and diameter. Beware of added mint marks or altered dates. The famous 1955 Doubled Die error only occurred at the Philadelphia mint (no mint mark).

Notable varieties & errors

1955 Doubled Die Obverse (highly rare, Philadelphia only) and the 1955-D 'Poor Man\'s' doubled die (slight die deterioration).

Similar coins

Lincoln Memorial Cents (1959-2008) which replaced the wheat stalks with the Lincoln Memorial building.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges only. Do not clean or polish, as this removes the natural patina and significantly reduces collector value. Store in a cool, dry place in an acid-free holder.

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