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The Certified 1955 Lincoln Cent graded MS66RD by NGC represents a superb gem example of one of the most popular and enduring designs in American numismatics. The Lincoln Wheat Cent, first struck in 1909 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, continued in production until 1958. Designed by Victor David Brenner, it became the first U.S. coin to feature a real historical figure. The 1955 issue is best known for the famous doubled die variety, but regular strike 1955 Lincoln cents like this MS66RD example are prized for their superb condition and blazing original red color. This coin is not only a collector favorite due to its historical and artistic value but also a high-grade representative of mid-century U.S. copper coinage.
On the obverse, the portrait of Abraham Lincoln faces right, with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the top, “LIBERTY” to the left, and the date “1955” to the right. In this MS66RD specimen, the design elements are rendered with pinpoint clarity. Lincoln’s hair, cheek, and coat are sharply defined, showing no signs of wear, and the fields are lustrous and free of any significant abrasions. The “RD” (Red) designation by NGC means the coin retains 95% or more of its original mint red color, a highly sought-after characteristic in copper coins. The warm, vibrant color gives the coin a fresh, mint-state appearance that is a testament to excellent preservation over nearly seven decades.
The reverse design features two wheat stalks curving along the left and right borders, enclosing the denomination “ONE CENT” and the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Above the denomination, the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is placed in a smaller font. In a coin of MS66RD quality, every element on the reverse is sharply struck. The wheat ears display well-defined lines and grains, while the letters are fully struck with no softness or flattening. The fields are smooth and reflective, with uninterrupted luster that rolls across the surface when tilted under light. The red color, combined with a strong strike and minimal marks, results in a stunning visual presentation.
The 1955 Lincoln Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which produced over 330 million coins that year. While the mintage was high, very few of these coins survived in pristine Mint State 66 Red condition, making such specimens relatively scarce when compared to lower-grade examples. Most 1955 cents entered circulation soon after release, accumulating wear and losing their original luster. Those preserved in rolls or original bank-wrapped condition are the source of today’s higher-grade certified examples, though even these tend to show mellowing red color or surface spots over time. Thus, a full red example graded MS66RD by NGC holds strong appeal among registry collectors and condition-focused numismatists.
NGC, or Numismatic Guaranty Company, is a premier third-party grading service trusted by collectors and dealers worldwide. A grade of MS66 represents a coin that is well above average in quality, with sharp strike, original luster, and only a few scattered microscopic contact marks visible under magnification. The “RD” designation adds further value, distinguishing the coin from “RB” (Red-Brown) or “BN” (Brown) counterparts, which show significant toning or oxidation. Red examples are always the most valuable in the Lincoln Cent series, particularly in grades above MS65, where population numbers become increasingly limited.
Though the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse garners most of the public attention for the year, the regular-issue 1955 cent is still an important part of any Lincoln Cent collection. In MS66RD, it becomes a condition rarity, often included in registry sets where collectors compete to assemble the highest-grade certified examples of each date and mintmark. As the coin market has evolved, so too has interest in high-grade, common-date issues, especially those with full red color and impeccable eye appeal. These coins are not only beautiful artifacts but also serve as historical benchmarks of 20th-century American minting standards and collector preference.
The surfaces of this 1955 MS66RD Lincoln Cent are expected to be nearly flawless to the naked eye, with vibrant coppery luster and no visible distractions. Under magnification, minor contact ticks may be found in the fields or protected areas, but these are minimal and do not detract from the overall appearance. The color is typically even, ranging from orange-red to slightly deeper reddish-gold hues, depending on the coin’s storage history. The combination of strong strike, vibrant color, and certified grade assures that this coin will remain stable in value and attractive for decades to come.
Collecting Lincoln Wheat Cents remains one of the most accessible and popular segments of U.S. coin collecting. With dates ranging from 1909 to 1958, the series offers both beginners and advanced collectors numerous challenges and rewards. Coins like this 1955 MS66RD serve as ideal anchor pieces for collections focused on condition, and they often see inclusion in year sets, type sets, or full Lincoln Cent runs. Their affordability compared to other high-grade series makes them an excellent entry point into certified coin collecting with strong potential for appreciation.
As the coin is now over 65 years old, it also enjoys status as a vintage collectible, appealing to collectors with interests in mid-20th-century Americana, Cold War-era mintage, and U.S. numismatic history. Its production during the post-WWII economic boom and cultural transition of the 1950s makes it not only a numismatic artifact but also a cultural one. Few other denominations in U.S. coinage remain as beloved and collected as the Lincoln Cent, and full red examples from the 1950s continue to grow in collector esteem, especially in upper Mint State levels.
In conclusion, the Certified 1955 Lincoln Cent MS66RD by NGC is an exceptional coin that combines beauty, condition rarity, and historical appeal. Its full mint red color, sharp strike, and high grade ensure it stands out in any Lincoln Cent collection or certified coin portfolio. With its connection to one of the most iconic designs in U.S. history and its role as a conditionally rare example from a popular decade, this coin represents both a smart acquisition and a visually compelling piece of American numismatics.