Obverse

Reverse

One Cent ($0.01)

Lincoln Wheat Cent

United States · 1955

A copper-colored small cent featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse. This particular specimen is heavily environmental-damaged and worn.

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 8, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A copper-colored small cent featuring Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse. This particular specimen is heavily environmental-damaged and worn.

Historical significance

The Wheat Cent was the first circulating US coin to feature a real person rather than a personification of Liberty, marking a significant shift in US numismatic design to honor the 100th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. The year 1955 is famous for a major Doubled Die Error.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legend 'IN GOD WE TRUST' at top, 'LIBERTY' to the left, and the date '1955' with 'D' mint mark to the right. Designed by Victor David Brenner.

Reverse (back)

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

Estimated value

$0.02 - $0.05 in current damaged condition; normally $0.15 - $10.00 depending on grade.

What drives this coin's value

Condition/Grade is the primary factor. While 1955 is common, the famous 'Doubled Die Obverse' (DDO) variety is worth thousands, but this coin does not appear to be that variety.

Grade assessment

About Good (AG-3) details, Environmental Damage. The coin shows heavy wear and significant surface corrosion / 'road rash' type damage.

Mintage & rarity

911,213,400 (Common)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Weight should be approximately 3.1g. Check for the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse which shows distinct, sharp doubling on the date and lettering; beware of 'Poor Man's Double Die' which is just die deterioration.

Notable varieties & errors

1955 Doubled Die Obverse (extremely rare/valuable); 1955 'Poor Man's' Doubled Die (common die wear).

Similar coins

Lincoln Memorial Cents (1959-2008) which show a building instead of wheat stalks; 1943 Steel Cents (silver in color).

Care & preservation

Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or acid-free paper envelope. Do not attempt to clean this coin as the surface is already compromised by environmental damage/corrosion; cleaning will only reduce technical value.

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