1955 Double Die Obverse Wheat Penny. Grade?

**JP1021** · 05-21-2012 03:52 PM

Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to help me grade this penny. My great grandfather, and grandfather were avid collectors, and I have been given the task to see exactly what they found. I would love to send it off to NGC or PCGS, however I doubt the nice red color of the coin would remain if I removed it from its' sealed hard plastic case for long. Let me know what you think, and thank you! (most of the scratches you may notice are actually on the holder)

-JP

(larger image links)
http://www.jp1021.com/coins/1955WPDDObv.jpg
http://www.jp1021.com/coins/1955WPDDREv.jpg

**rickmp** · 05-21-2012 04:12 PM

Leave it in the container when you send it.

**Melina** · 05-21-2012 04:30 PM

I really hope you're not trolling. Wow. Nice classic example of the '55 DDO!

**Merc Crazy** · 05-21-2012 04:32 PM

That, if real, is a fantastic example of the '55 DDO.

**d.t.menace** · 05-21-2012 04:34 PM

I'm suspicious that this is a fake. These were heavily counterfeited and to me the surfaces just don't look right. Also the devices have a mushy appearance. I would take it to a local coin shop or two if you have one and get their opinion on it. Absent that, it should be sent in, just to have it authenticated. BTW, being out of the holder it's in for a short time won't affect it's patina.

**desertgem** · 05-21-2012 04:51 PM

The surfaces look a little off, but other than that the coin looks authentic ( as much as a photo under scratchy plastic) can show. JP, look for the die scratch under the left arm of the "T" in CENT, about 1/5 or 1/6 from the vertical leg. It should cross another one lower and make a faint "X".

Welcome to the forum!

Jim

**Merc Crazy** · 05-21-2012 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by d.t.menace

I'm suspicious that this is a fake. These were heavily counterfeited and to me the surfaces just don't look right. Also the devices have a mushy appearance. I would take it to a local coin shop or two if you have one and get their opinion on it. Absent that, it should be sent in, just to have it authenticated. BTW, being out of the holder it's in for a short time won't affect it's patina.

My feeling is that it is a fake as well... something just looks off about it... they usually have more luster than that in such high condition, that looks more like a modern low-relief cent... the '55's had decent relief to them.

**rickmp** · 05-21-2012 05:06 PM

Kinda odd coincidence?
1955 Double Die Lincoln Cent for sale...
1955 DDO for sale.

**JP1021** · 05-21-2012 05:43 PM

Honestly, no it's not for sale (not ebay or anywhere). If I were to sell it I'd sell it to a reputable dealer here in town. About being a fake, that wouldn't surprise me. We found a really nice 1921 D mercury dime that was definitely a fake (the sad part was the price was still written on its holder for $550 back in the 80s). It may look strange due to the thick holder it's in, or possibly my flatbed scanner. Here's another pic of the luster if it helps.

**Merc Crazy** · 05-21-2012 05:59 PM

Looks much better there... if that's real, it's gotta be a 63 RD, at minimum. Fantastic coin, get it slabbed ASAP.

Numismedia lists a 63RD at $7,250...

**rickmp** · 05-21-2012 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by Merc Crazy

Looks much better there... if that's real, it's gotta be a 63 RD, at minimum. Fantastic coin, get it slabbed ASAP. Numismedia lists a 63RD at $7,250...

And selling to a local dealer might get you as much as half that. Get it graded and slabbed and consign to Heritage or another high end auction house. This is assuming it's real, of course.

**JP1021** · 05-21-2012 06:59 PM

Thank you! I will definitely take the recommendations suggested here. I'll get it off to NGC tomorrow. I've come across a few more interesting coins, would it be acceptable to keep posting here and asking in new threads?

-JP