1955-S "Bie" Variety Penny

Most die varieties such as RPMs, DDOs/DDRs, and die errors such as BIEs, die cracks, etc are interesting to those folks who specialize in them, but have only nominal value above the regular coin. Pretty much a variety needs to be in the CPG to be grade-worthy, though there are some exceptions.

I remember when I first started caring enough about BIEs to do more than just put them aside when I found them, I checked on ebay and there was a small BIE following with several regular sellers. One seller in particular made the statement that BIEs were rare and valuable, but ONLY the ones from 55-S. I thought it was a weird statement to make, but I have to admit that over the years I have gained far more experience and fondness for 55-S than any other date. 55-S has a lot going for it, from many perspectives, and sort of forms a nexus of collectibility as well as availability that no other date offers. Millions of new 55-S Cents were put aside due to the closure of the SF Mint that year, and even today you can purchase un-opened OBW rolls from dealer stock, as well as tubed rolls that have not been searched. I know this is true because I find them "in the wild" quite often. I've always specialized in Wheat cent varieties, but for many years now I've had a sub-specialty in 55-S specifically, and have collected pretty much everything extant in terms of 55-S varieties. I've even specialized enough to do some deep studies on die state progressions on some of the 55-S BIEs and RPMs, and have even made some new discoveries!

Anyway, I just thought folks might like to hear my thoughts on 55-S, though I hope it doesn't mean the supply of unsearched BU rolls will dry up faster!