1955 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,323 PR64 02-25-2004 Coin Galleries

Description

The 1955 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent is a proof cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint, part of the Lincoln Wheat Cents 1909-1958 series. The U.S. Mint produced 378,200 examples. The obverse features Abraham Lincoln facing right, the first real person depicted on a U.S. circulating coin, while the reverse displays two wheat stalks framing ONE CENT, symbolizing American agriculture. Designed by Victor David Brenner. The 1955 Doubled Die Obverse is one of the most dramatic and well-known die varieties in U.S. coinage. Struck in 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams, 19 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #3374. The Lincoln Wheat Cent, introduced in 1909 to honor the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, broke the longstanding tradition against portraying real individuals on U.S. Among the most widely collected U.S. series. Key dates include the 1909-S VDB (mintage 484,000), 1914-D, 1922 "No D" (weak Denver mintmark), and the famous 1943 copper and 1944 steel transitional errors.