How to Find a 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent (FS-101)

The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln cent, catalogued as FS-101, is widely considered the most famous die variety in American coinage. According to PCGS, an estimated 40,000 examples were struck from the doubled working die at the Philadelphia Mint, of which roughly 20,000 to 24,000 escaped into circulation before the error was caught; the rest, still sitting in the press operator’s bin, were located and destroyed.

GetCoinHunt helps you search inventory from multiple coin dealers in one place, compare available examples, and create a wishlist alert when the right coin is not currently listed.

What makes the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse cent important to collectors?

The error occurred when a working obverse die received a second, slightly rotated impression from the working hub during manufacture, spreading the date, IN GOD WE TRUST, and LIBERTY into a bold, unmistakable double image on every coin struck from that die. According to PCGS, the doubling is wide and dramatic enough to be spotted with the naked eye, which is a major reason it became famous well beyond the hobby.

PCGS credits coin dealer James Ruddy with popularizing the variety almost immediately: after 1955 doubled die cents began turning up in circulation the same year they were struck, Ruddy advertised in Johnson City, New York offering 25 cents apiece for examples—and was quickly overwhelmed with coins before he had to stop buying. Because the error was recognized so early, a meaningful number of examples were deliberately saved rather than spent, which is part of why the variety remains obtainable today even in higher grades, despite its fame and its comparatively small original release.

How to identify a 1955 Doubled Die Obverse cent

Check the date, LIBERTY, and the motto

Genuine examples show strong, clearly separated doubling on all four digits of the date, on the word LIBERTY, and on IN GOD WE TRUST. The doubling should read as two distinct, complete impressions rather than a blurry smear.

Check the reverse for confirmation

PCGS notes the reverse die on genuine examples is very slightly misaligned, and fine vertical die-polishing lines appear to the left of the “T” in “CENT.” These reverse characteristics are a useful secondary check, since the doubled die itself is only on the obverse.

Rule out machine doubling and altered coins

Machine (strike) doubling is common on many Lincoln cents and looks flat and shelf-like rather than bold and rounded—it is not the same variety and does not carry the same value. Because genuine examples are valuable, altered or fabricated “doubled” coins also circulate; compare any candidate against certified reference photographs before assuming you have a genuine FS-101.

Know the physical specifications

Per U.S. Mint records and PCGS CoinFacts, a 1955 Lincoln cent weighs 3.11 grams, measures 19mm in diameter, is struck in 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc, and has a plain edge. Matching these specifications is a baseline check that doesn’t substitute for confirming the doubling itself.

Buying considerations

Certified versus raw coins

Given the coin’s fame and value, certification from PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended for anything beyond an inexpensive, heavily worn example. Verify the certification number through the grading service’s own website and compare the holder’s photos with the coin being offered.

Understanding grades and color designations

As with other Lincoln Wheat cents, certified examples carry a color designation:

• BN — Brown: most of the original red color has changed to brown.
• RB — Red-Brown: a mixture of red and brown remains.
• RD — Red: most of the original mint-red color remains.

Prices scale steeply with grade and color. PCGS auction records include sales well into six figures for exceptional Red examples in the finest certified grades—one MS65+ Red example has sold at auction for over $114,000—while more modestly graded, circulated examples are attainable for a much smaller budget.

Problem coins

Cleaning, spotting, corrosion, and environmental damage reduce both eye appeal and value. A details-graded example can be a lower-cost way to own the variety, but the stated problem should be reflected in the price.

Suggested search terms and filters

Begin with a broad search: “1955 doubled die cent,” “1955 DDO Lincoln cent,” or “1955 doubled die penny.”

Then narrow by:

• Grade: from circulated grades through Gem Mint State
• Color designation: RD, RB, BN
• Certification: PCGS, NGC, or “certified 1955 DDO”

Availability and pricing notes

Because a meaningful number of examples were saved early on, the 1955 Doubled Die is one of the more consistently available famous varieties—collectors at nearly every budget can find a certified example, though prices rise sharply for high-grade Red coins. Listings and asking prices don’t necessarily represent completed-sale values, so compare multiple certified examples before buying.

GetCoinHunt does not guarantee that every listing is authentic, accurately graded, or fairly priced. Authentication, grading, pricing, return policies, and fulfillment remain the responsibility of the dealer or marketplace offering the coin.

How the GetCoinHunt wishlist alert works

1. Search for the coin. Enter “1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln cent” to search participating dealer inventory.
2. Review the available matches. Compare listings by grade, color designation, certification, and asking price.
3. Add the search to your wishlist. If the right example isn’t available, save it as a wishlist item.
4. Get notified about new matches. GetCoinHunt sends an alert when new dealer inventory matches your wishlist.
5. Evaluate the coin before buying. Verify certification and photographs, and review the seller’s terms.

Frequently asked questions

Why is the 1955 Doubled Die cent so famous?

It’s considered the coin that introduced mainstream collectors to doubled die varieties, thanks in part to dealer James Ruddy’s early 1955 newspaper offer to buy examples, which drew wide public attention while the coins were still turning up in circulation.

How many 1955 Doubled Die cents exist?

PCGS estimates about 40,000 were struck, with roughly 20,000 to 24,000 reaching circulation before the remainder were caught and destroyed. Because so many were saved early, it remains available to collectors today.

How do I tell a genuine example from machine doubling?

Genuine doubled die doubling is bold, wide, and clearly separated on the date, LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST. Machine doubling looks flat and shelf-like and does not carry the same premium.

What should I check on the reverse?

Genuine examples show a very slight reverse die misalignment and fine vertical die-polishing lines to the left of the “T” in “CENT,” which can help confirm a coin alongside the obverse doubling.

What if no suitable coin is currently available?

Add “1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln cent” to your wishlist below. You’ll be notified when newly detected dealer inventory matches your search.

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