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The Certified Lincoln Cent 1995 Double Die MS66RD PCGS is a modern numismatic marvel, representing one of the most dramatic and collectible doubled die varieties in the post-1959 Lincoln Memorial cent series. While doubling errors are typically most famous on early 20th-century coins like the 1955 Double Die Obverse Lincoln Cent, the 1995 issue rekindled excitement among collectors when thousands of strikingly doubled coins were discovered shortly after release. These coins quickly gained popularity due to the bold and unmistakable doubling, which is clearly visible to the naked eye, making it accessible even to beginner collectors. With a grade of MS66RD from PCGS, this coin is not only an error of significant fame but also a superbly preserved specimen, combining visual appeal with technical precision.
The 1995 Lincoln Cent is part of the Memorial reverse series, which ran from 1959 to 2008. The obverse of the coin features Victor David Brenner’s classic right-facing bust of Abraham Lincoln, which first appeared on the cent in 1909 to mark the centennial of Lincoln’s birth. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date “1995” frame the portrait. The doubling appears most prominently on the obverse inscriptions, especially in “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” where thick, well-defined notching and shadowing give the letters a striking, almost three-dimensional appearance. On an MS66RD example, the doubling is presented against a clean, lustrous field, enhancing its visibility and creating a highly desirable aesthetic that appeals to both error specialists and Lincoln series collectors alike.
The reverse design, unchanged from earlier Memorial Cents, was created by Frank Gasparro and features the Lincoln Memorial centered between the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE CENT.” The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears above the monument. While the doubling is exclusive to the obverse die and not found on the reverse, the reverse still plays an important role in balancing the coin’s design and remains crisp and well-defined on higher-grade examples. On a coin graded MS66RD, every column of the Lincoln Memorial is sharply rendered, and even the tiny seated statue of Lincoln within the central portico is visible under magnification—a testament to the precision of the Mint’s strike and the coin’s state of preservation.
The 1995 Double Die Obverse (DDO) was the result of a die manufacturing error during the hubbing process, in which the working die received an additional impression that was misaligned with the original. Unlike machine doubling or other forms of minor misalignment, a true doubled die involves a duplication of design elements engraved into the die itself. This makes the error repeatable across all coins struck by that die and distinguishes it from lesser errors. The 1995 DDO was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and entered circulation before the Mint or the public was fully aware of the variety’s significance. Estimates suggest that several hundred thousand examples were produced before the error was caught, though the actual number of surviving Mint State pieces is much lower.
As a Philadelphia issue, the 1995 DDO Lincoln Cent bears no mintmark, consistent with Philadelphia Mint cents of the era. The coin was struck in the standard post-1982 composition of copper-plated zinc, with a core of 99.2% zinc and a surface layer of 0.8% copper. This gives the coin its characteristic red appearance when freshly struck. Red-designated coins, like the MS66RD specimen certified by PCGS, retain at least 95% of their original red mint color, reflecting careful storage and handling since their release. The “RD” designation is crucial for modern copper coins, as environmental exposure can quickly alter the surface, turning red coins to red-brown or brown. A full Red example in a premium grade offers both condition rarity and eye appeal.
The population of 1995 DDO Lincoln Cents in MS66RD is relatively limited, and the number of coins surviving in higher grades like MS67RD is extremely small. Most surviving examples were pulled from circulation or Mint Sets by astute collectors shortly after the error became public knowledge. Even so, the vast majority of these coins have imperfections, such as contact marks or fading color, that prevent them from reaching gem status. PCGS, one of the most trusted third-party grading services, applies strict criteria in evaluating strike quality, luster, surface preservation, and color. A coin awarded the MS66RD designation stands among the finest known and demonstrates a combination of vibrant, original color and sharp detail, unmarred by significant flaws.
The discovery of the 1995 Double Die revitalized interest in modern error coins and proved that significant varieties could still emerge in contemporary minting. It became a popular inclusion in educational materials, coin magazines, and collector starter kits during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Because the doubling is visible without magnification and affects major elements of the design, the variety serves as an excellent teaching tool for identifying die errors. Its appeal crosses multiple collecting niches—error collectors, Lincoln cent enthusiasts, and registry set participants all consider the 1995 DDO a required acquisition. Certified MS66RD examples add another layer of collectibility, with condition-conscious buyers seeking high-grade specimens to complete elite-level collections.
The coin’s value is supported not only by its error status but also by the quality of its strike and surface preservation. In MS66RD, the coin displays blazing luster, minimal abrasions, and uninterrupted red coloration throughout both obverse and reverse. The fields are smooth and reflective, while the raised devices—Lincoln’s profile, the doubled lettering, and the fine architectural details of the Memorial—are crisp and well-articulated. Under magnification, the coin reveals clean, sharply defined edges and pristine surfaces. For collectors who value eye appeal and technical perfection, this MS66RD example from PCGS represents an optimal blend of visual impact, error rarity, and certified assurance.
The 1995 Lincoln Cent Double Die MS66RD PCGS is a modern classic that exemplifies the enduring fascination with mint errors and varieties in American coinage. As one of the most recognizable and dramatic doubled die varieties in the last several decades, it holds a firm place in both educational contexts and high-grade coin collections. Its combination of historical importance, accessible yet meaningful doubling, and excellent condition make it a must-have for advanced and beginning collectors alike. With a population that continues to shrink as coins tone or circulate outside protective holders, high-grade Red examples will only become more prized as the years go on.
The Certified Lincoln Cent 1995 Double Die MS66RD PCGS is more than a modern error—it is a standout piece that captures the attention of collectors across the spectrum. With its bold obverse doubling, vibrant red surfaces, and premium condition, it embodies the intrigue and satisfaction that comes with collecting high-quality, visually distinctive U.S. coinage. As an enduring favorite within the Lincoln series and a symbol of postmodern minting anomalies, this coin is certain to remain a fixture in top-tier collections for generations, appealing to those who value rarity, precision, and the thrill of discovery embedded in American coin history.