The 1955 Lincoln penny is a popular collectible coin among numismatists. It was the first to be released after the death of President Abraham Lincoln, and has been in circulation since then.
This classic penny has become increasingly sought-after by collectors over the years due to its historical significance and unique design features. With its iconic obverse portrait of Lincoln, along with wheat ears on the reverse, it's easy to see why this beloved coin remains so desirable today!
Design Features Of The 1955 Lincoln Penny
The Lincoln Penny is a beloved coin in the United States, and its design has remained largely unchanged since 1909. The 1955 edition of this cherished item features several distinct characteristics that set it apart from other versions.
To begin with, the obverse side of the 1955 Lincoln penny contains an image of President Abraham Lincoln facing to the right, which was designed by Victor David Brenner. Additionally, “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears above his head while “LIBERTY” is inscribed on the left-hand side. At the bottom of the coin, you can also find two dates: 1809 (the year when he was born) and 1909 (the centennial anniversary).
On the reverse side, one will find a wheat stalks pattern encircling 'ONE CENT,' flanked by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at the top and E PLURIBUS UNUM at the bottom.
This particular version of the classic Lincoln Penny is composed primarily of copper but also includes some zinc and tin alloyed together, giving it a unique luster compared to other pennies minted before or after it.
Historical Context Of The Coin
The Lincoln penny, also known as the U.S cent, is a denomination of currency that has been produced by the United States Mint since 1909. Since then it has become an iconic piece of Americana and a true symbol of our nation's history. Its status in numismatics makes it particularly interesting for collectors who seek to add rare finds to their collections.
The coin was first minted on August 2nd, 1909, which was the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's birth. It featured a profile portrait of him on its obverse, while the reverse showed two wheat stalks surrounding the words 'One Cent' within a wreath made up of oak and laurel leaves. This design stayed unchanged until 1959 when a new reverse featuring the Lincoln Memorial replaced it in celebration of his 150th birthday year.
Throughout its long production run there have been five different types:
1) The Wheat Penny (1909-1958),
2) The Memorial Penny (1959-2008),
3) The Bicentennial Penny (2009),
4) The Shield Penny (2010-Present), and
5) The Union Shield Penny (2017).
Each type features distinct characteristics that can help distinguish them from one another, making this series especially enjoyable for any collector looking to build out or enhance their collection!
Rarity And Valuation
The Lincoln Penny is an integral part of numismatic history, and its rarity and value are a major factor in the appeal of these precious coins.
Over the years, many different varieties have been released, each with their own unique characteristics that make them desirable to collectors.
Lincoln Pennies minted prior to 1958 tend to be more highly valued due to their age and limited availability. Coins from 1909-1958 were produced using 95% copper content, while post 1959 coins were made with 98% zinc plated steel.
The older coins typically display better conditions than later releases, making them especially sought after by serious collectors.
In addition to the metal composition and condition of the coin itself, other factors such as mintage numbers can affect the overall value of a Lincoln Penny.
For example, certain dates may feature significantly lower production numbers than others which can drive prices up for those issues compared to similar examples from higher mintage years.
Other rare specimens include proof versions or error coins which command even higher premiums on the market.
Ultimately, it all comes down to supply and demand when determining pricing for any given coin within this series.
Popular Collectible Grades
Having discussed the rarity and valuation of a Lincoln penny, it is now time to turn our attention to popular collectible grades. As with any numismatic item, grade plays an important role in determining value. A coin's grade impacts its desirability among collectors and will influence how much people are willing to pay for it.
The three most common grading systems used by numismatists today are:
- Good (G): Coined during the mid-1800s up through 1909, Good coins have substantial wear on both sides due to circulation over time. This type of coin may be recognizable but its details can be worn down significantly or even missing entirely.
- Very Fine (VF): Coins that are graded Very Fine fall between Good and Extremely Fine grades on the scale. These coins show moderate amount of wear, with some major design elements still visible but faint from repeated use as currency.
- Extremely Fine (EF): EF graded coins feature only small amounts of wear and their features remain very sharp, though not quite at Mint State condition level yet.
To properly assess a coin's grade requires careful scrutiny under magnification or strong light source; this helps numismatists accurately determine whether a coin should receive G, VF or EF designation. Even when using all available tools, however, there is always room for subjective interpretation which can lead two knowledgeable graders coming up with different ratings for same piece of currency!
How To Start Collecting
Collecting Lincoln pennies can provide a lifetime of enjoyment and rewards. It's like embarking on the most amazing treasure hunt, with the potential for great discoveries at every turn.
| To begin your journey in collecting Lincoln pennies, it is important to have an understanding of all the different varieties that are available. | Date/Mint Mark | Rarity | Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1909-S VDB (Wheat) | Scarce | $1,400+ | Scarce | $1,400+ |
| 1914-D (Wheat) | Rare | $1,000+ | Rare | $1,000+ |
| 1922 No D (Plain) | Rare | $3,500+ | Rare | $3,500+ |
| 1931-S | Scarce | $160+ | Scarce | $160+ |
| 1955 Doubled Die Obverse | Extremely Rare | Extremely Rare | Extremely Rare | $2,900+ |
As a numismatist, you must also become familiar with how to properly grade coins and understand their values depending on condition or rarity. To accurately accomplish this task requires practice and patience as well as study of books written by experts in the field. Additionally, joining a local coin club or attend national conventions will give you access to resources and invaluable advice from experienced collectors. With knowledge comes confidence—and success! So put your detective skills to use; take your first step towards discovering the world of fascinating Lincoln penny varieties waiting out there to be found.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Buy A 1955 Lincoln Penny?
As a numismatist, I am often asked where someone can buy a Lincoln Penny. The 1955 version of the Lincoln Cent is one of the most sought after coins in American Numismatic history. It was minted to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's 150th birthday and features his bust on the obverse side with two wheat stalks crossed behind him.
There are many places you can purchase this coin such as online auctions, coin dealers, and coin shops. Be sure to do your research when looking for any antique or rare coins to ensure that you get a genuine piece at fair market value.
Is There A Difference Between A 1955 Lincoln Penny And A 1955 Wheat Penny?
As the old adage goes, 'a penny saved is a penny earned.' When it comes to numismatics, this applies even more so; every coin has its own unique history and value.
The 1955 Lincoln Penny and the 1955 Wheat Penny are no exception - while they may appear similar at first glance, these two coins have distinct differences that any numismatist should be aware of.
Both coins feature an image of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse side, but the design elements differ in terms of their wreath details, lettering font size, and other nuances.
While some collectors will try to acquire both types for their collections, others may prefer just one over the other due to its rarity or condition.
Ultimately, however, each collector's choice is entirely up to them!
How Long Have Lincoln Pennies Been In Circulation?
Lincoln pennies have been in circulation since 1909, the 100th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln.
This particular penny was designed by Victor David Brenner and continued to be minted until today, making it one of the longest-running coins produced by the US Mint.
It remains a popular choice for numismatists, as its iconic imagery has become synonymous with American currency over time.
The original design, which featured two wheat ears on either side of Lincoln's portrait, is still highly sought after and can fetch high prices depending on their condition.
What Is The Most Valuable 1955 Lincoln Penny?
The 1955 lincoln penny is a numismatic treasure, with value far beyond its one-cent face.
As the market for rare coins continues to climb, savvy investors are searching for significant examples of this iconic issue.
The most valuable 1955 Lincoln Penny is the doubled die variety - an error coin that was struck twice in the same place.
This unique piece has been known to fetch upwards of $25000 at auction and is certainly worth keeping an eye out for!
Are 1955 Lincoln Pennies Still Being Minted?
As a numismatist, it's important to know that coins are still being minted today.
Although the 1955 Lincoln penny is no longer in production, there are many other varieties of pennies that are still being produced by the United States Mint and abroad.
The U.S. Mint produces different versions of both circulating and commemorative coins each year which can be found at coin stores and even online.
Conclusion
As a numismatist, I can tell you that 1955 Lincoln Pennies remain an important and valuable coin to own.
Not only are they full of history and nostalgia but their value has increased over the years making them highly sought after by collectors.
The most valuable 1955 Lincoln Penny is one in pristine condition due to its rarity.
Although these coins have not been minted for many years, it's still possible to find one for sale online or through specialty dealers.
With proper care, your 1955 Lincoln Penny will be cherished for generations! (Rhetorical Device: Alliteration)