A woman in Ohio thought she had a Canadian penny in her change until she learned it was a rare Lincoln Wheat Penny worth $75,000. The coin, found in her grocery store change last month, turned out to be a 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny, a famous minting error that collectors chase. This discovery has people across the U.S. checking their coin jars, hoping to find a similar treasure hiding in plain sight.
A Lucky Find in Loose Change
The woman, who hasn’t shared her name, noticed the penny looked odd while sorting her change. Thinking it was a foreign coin, she almost tossed it aside. But a closer look showed it was a U.S. penny from 1955 with a strange, blurry design. She took it to a local coin shop, where experts confirmed it was a 1955 Doubled Die penny a rare error coin where the date and words appear doubled. This mistake happened during minting, making these coins super valuable.
What Makes This Penny So Special?
The 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln Penny is famous for its clear error. During production, the coin’s design was stamped twice, slightly off-center, creating a doubled effect on the date, “LIBERTY,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Only about 20,000-24,000 were made before the error was caught, and many were released into circulation. In top condition, these pennies can sell for $75,000 or more at auction, with one fetching $124,000 in 2023.
| Feature | Regular 1955 Penny | 1955 Doubled Die Penny |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Copper (95%) | Copper (95%) |
| Year | 1955 | 1955 |
| Error Type | None | Doubled Die Obverse |
| Estimated Value | 1 cent – $1 | Up to $75,000+ |
Could More Be Out There?
The crazy thing is, this penny was found in everyday change, meaning others might still be in circulation. Lincoln Wheat Pennies, minted from 1909 to 1958, are common in old coin jars or passed around in cash transactions. The 1955 Doubled Die is rare but not impossible to find—some have turned up in bank rolls or vending machines over the years. This Ohio find has sparked a wave of excitement, with people hunting for their own jackpot penny.
How to Spot a 1955 Doubled Die
- Look for a 1955 penny with a doubled date or words like “LIBERTY.”
- Check the front (obverse) for blurry or double-stamped letters.
- Make sure the coin is in good shape—less wear means higher value.
- Use a magnifying glass to see details clearly.
If you think you’ve got one, don’t clean it, as cleaning can lower its value. Take it to a coin dealer or send it to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) for authentication.
A Reminder to Check Your Change
This woman’s story shows that treasures can hide in the most ordinary places. What she thought was a worthless Canadian coin turned out to be a $75,000 windfall. Now, coin enthusiasts and regular folks are digging through their change, hoping to strike it rich. Even if you don’t find a 1955 Doubled Die, other Wheat Pennies, like those from 1909 or 1943, can be worth hundreds or thousands. So, next time you empty your pockets, take a second look that penny might be worth way more than a cent.