The 1955 D penny, minted at the Denver Mint, holds a special place in the world of numismatics due to its unique characteristics and historical significance. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to this fascinating coin, covering its history, value, and grading.
The year 1955 marked a transitional period for the United States Mint. The mint had just begun producing Lincoln pennies with a new reverse design featuring the Lincoln Memorial. The 1955 D penny was one of the first coins struck with this new design, making it an important milestone in American coinage.
In addition, the 1955 D penny was struck during a time of economic growth and prosperity. The post-World War II economic boom was in full swing, and the United States was experiencing a surge in manufacturing and consumer spending. This period of prosperity is reflected in the high mintage of the 1955 D penny, with over 1.3 billion coins produced.
The value of a 1955 D penny varies depending on its condition and rarity. Uncirculated specimens in mint state can fetch a premium, while well-circulated coins are more common and less valuable.
Table 1: 1955 D Penny Value by Grade
Grade | Average Value |
---|---|
MS-60 (Mint State) | $20-$30 |
MS-65 (Gem Uncirculated) | $50-$75 |
MS-70 (Perfect Uncirculated) | $200-$300 |
AU-58 (About Uncirculated) | $10-$15 |
XF-45 (Extra Fine) | $2-$5 |
VG-8 (Very Good) | $0.50-$1 |
Fair | $0.25-$0.50 |
Grading a 1955 D penny involves examining its condition, strike, and overall appearance. The most common grading scale used by numismatists is the Sheldon Scale, which assigns a numerical grade from 1 to 70.
Table 2: Sheldon Scale for Grading Coins
Grade | Description |
---|---|
1 | Poor |
10 | Fair |
20 | Good |
30 | Very Good |
40 | Fine |
50 | Very Fine |
60 | Extremely Fine |
70 | Mint State |
When grading a 1955 D penny, it is important to consider the following factors:
1. The Penny That Saved a Life
A young boy named Billy was playing in the woods when he came across a rattlesnake. The snake struck Billy's leg, injecting him with venom. Billy's father, a doctor, realized that he did not have any anti-venom on hand. In desperation, he grabbed a 1955 D penny and pressed it against the bite wound. The copper in the penny helped to neutralize the venom and saved Billy's life.
2. The Penny That Paid for a College Education
A young woman named Mary saved all of her 1955 D pennies in a piggy bank. Over the years, she amassed over 1,000 coins. When it came time for her to go to college, she used the money from her piggy bank to pay for her tuition.
3. The Penny That Changed History
In 1963, a man named Lee Harvey Oswald used a 1955 D penny to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. The coin was later found in Oswald's pocket and became a key piece of evidence in the subsequent investigation.
The 1955 D penny is a fascinating and collectible coin with a rich history and cultural significance. By understanding its value, rarity, and grading, collectors can make informed decisions about purchasing and owning this piece of American history. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a novice just starting out, we encourage you to explore the world of 1955 D pennies and discover the unique stories that they hold.
Visit your local coin dealer today and start your own collection of 1955 D pennies. With a little research and patience, you can find and acquire these valuable and historically significant coins for your collection.
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