Counterfeit Detection: 1955 Doubled-Die Obverse Cent

NGC - Mint errors and varieties are very popular in the numismatic community. To find both on one coin is exceptionally rare, and examples command a large premium. When the variety is the "King of Doubled Dies," that premium skyrockets even higher.

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Recently, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) graders encountered this 1955 doubled-die obverse Lincoln Cent.


Genuine 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

As you can see from the photos, this coin is clearly struck off-center and has the telltale doubling for which this variety is known. It also appears to be slightly worn, as if it saw some time in circulation. Unfortunately, the coin is not genuine and the supposed wear has been artificially applied to a modern replica of the fabled rarity.


Counterfeit 1955 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent

As you can see, the coin above looks very different from the genuine 1955 DDO. It appears as if a counterfeiter, instead of faking a whole die, decided they could just create a stamp that has the look of doubling, and stamp it over the existing date and mintmark. This created odd dark, depressed areas around the lettering and it doesn't look at all like a genuine example. Also note that the counterfeiter didn't even bother to attempt to replicate the doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST.


Close-up of Altered 1955 DDO Lincoln Cent

When looking closer at this coin, it is even more obvious that the piece is altered. Note the original L in LIBERTY still clearly visible near the rim of the coin. In fact, if you look closely, you'll notice that you can read almost all of the original letters in LIBERTY. They are still visible on the tops of the counterfeiter's letters.

If you have what you believe to be a genuine 1955 DDO Lincoln Cent, one of the best things to looks for is a die marker on the reverse that is found on all examples in high enough grade. There are two thin, horizontal lines emerging from the left side of the crossbar of the T in CENTS. These are the marker for the only reverse die paired with the doubled obverse die.


Two parallel vertical die scratches help identify this as a genuine 1955 DDO Lincoln Cent