1955 Lincoln Wheat Penny (No Mint Mark)
United States Mint (Philadelphia) · Collectibles & Antiques > Coins & Paper Money
Era / Decade
1950s (Specifically 1955)
Material
95% Copper, 5% Tin and Zinc (Bronze)
Condition
Good to Very Good (Circulated). The coin shows significant wear on Lincoln's hair and shoulder. The rim is mostly intact, but the surface lacks the original mint luster and has moderate brown toning.
Demand Level
Moderate. Wheat pennies are always in demand for bulk 'wheat' lots, but individual common-date circulated coins have low individual liquidity.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$0.05 - $0.25
Estimated Retail Value
$0.01 (Original Face Value)
Comparable Sales
Bulk lots of circulated 1950s wheat pennies typically sell for 2 to 5 cents per coin on eBay. Single common 1955 pennies in this condition rarely sell individually due to shipping fees.
Description
A 1955 Lincoln Wheat Cent produced at the Philadelphia Mint. Features Victor David Brenner's classic profile of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and two wheat stalks on the reverse. This is a common circulated strike, not the famous 'Doubled Die' error.
Key Features
Vintage wheat reverse design (1909-1958); high copper content compared to modern pennies; popular entry-level collectible for numismatists.
Authenticity Indicators
Genuine US currency. Weight and diameter appear standard. Confidence level: High. Note: This is a standard strike, which is often confused by beginners for the high-value error variety.
Flaws to Note
Significant circulation wear, dull brownish patina, minor surface scratches. More importantly, it is NOT the rare Doubled Die variety (which would show clear, distinct overlapping letters in the date and inscriptions).
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
Best sold as part of a bundle or 'roll' on eBay or Etsy. Individual sale is best suited for local coin shops or flea markets where shipping costs don't exceed the coin's value.
Selling Tips
Do NOT clean the coin, as this destroys numismatic value. Use keywords like 'Wheat Cent', '1955 Penny', and 'Estate Find'. Best sold in lots of 50 or 100 to justify shipping costs.