JarSort · Inherited coin values
1955 doubled die penny value
The 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent is the most famous doubled die in US coinage: the date and 'LIBERTY' are visibly doubled on the obverse. But not every 1955 doubled die is the $1,400 coin — there are three kinds, and the price depends entirely on which one you have. FS-101 (the strong one) certified XF–AU guides at $1,400–$3,800; FS-102 at $75–$280; the 'Poor Man's' at $3–$70.
The three numbers that matter
Prices as of Oct 24, 2026 · Silver spot $53.80/ozt (Kitco) · Circulated, common date, problem-free, raw (uncertified) unless stated
The doubling must be on the obverse (date and LIBERTY) and visible without magnification on a genuine FS-101. Machine doubling — flat, shelf-like doubling — is worth face value. If you cannot see the doubling clearly with the naked eye, it is probably not the FS-101.
FS-101 vs FS-102 vs Poor Man's
| Variety | What you see | Value (certified XF–AU) |
|---|---|---|
| FS-101 | Strong, clear doubling on the date and LIBERTY, visible without magnification | $1,400–$3,800 |
| FS-102 | Lighter doubling, same area | $75–$280 |
| Poor Man's | Die deterioration doubling — mushy, not sharp | $3–$70 |
How to tell it
Look at the date '1955' and the word 'LIBERTY' on the obverse. On a genuine FS-101, both are doubled with clear separation — you can see it without a loupe. The reverse is normal. A coin with doubling only on the reverse, or flat shelf-like doubling, is not the 1955 doubled die.
What to do with it
- Do not clean it.
- Get it certified (PCGS/NGC) — the variety attribution (FS-101 vs FS-102) is what sets the price, and only a grading service can settle it reliably.
- Get two offers.
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