-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 30262
Checkout
The Certified Lincoln Cent 1995 Double Die MS67RD PCGS is one of the most iconic modern error coins in American numismatics. The 1995 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) is famous for its dramatic doubling visible to the naked eye, placing it among the most desirable and widely recognized mint errors of the Lincoln Memorial cent series. Authenticated and graded MS67RD by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), this example represents a top-tier specimen, boasting flawless preservation and full original red color—making it a gem-level coin for both Lincoln cent specialists and collectors of U.S. mint errors alike.
The 1995 Lincoln Cent was part of the long-running Memorial reverse series, which spanned from 1959 through 2008. Designed by Victor David Brenner (obverse) and Frank Gasparro (reverse), this series featured the enduring image of Abraham Lincoln’s profile on the obverse and the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse. What distinguishes the 1995 cent from its peers is the presence of a striking doubled die error that dramatically affects the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the word “LIBERTY,” and the date “1995” on the obverse. Unlike minor die deterioration doubling or mechanical doubling, this doubled die was caused by a true hubbing error, where the working die received a misaligned second impression from the master hub, creating strong, clear doubling on the design elements.
The doubling on the 1995 DDO is most visible in the inscriptions “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” where the letters appear as if they were shadowed or slightly duplicated, resulting in a dramatic three-dimensional effect. This doubling can be detected even without magnification, making it accessible and thrilling for beginner and advanced collectors alike. The coin gained widespread attention shortly after its release, generating significant public interest in mint errors. Even mainstream media outlets covered the story in the mid-1990s, causing a surge of attention to Lincoln cents and error collecting as a whole.
The reverse of the coin remains unaffected by the doubling and features the standard Lincoln Memorial design. Gasparro’s reverse, first introduced in 1959 to commemorate Lincoln’s 150th birthday, shows the neoclassical monument in fine detail, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE CENT” inscribed around it. The reverse remains sharp and symmetrical on known DDO examples, with no doubling present, confirming the error was isolated to the obverse die.
The coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which, in 1995, did not use a mintmark on Lincoln cents. Therefore, all 1995 DDO cents appear as “no mintmark” issues. The Philadelphia Mint struck over 6 billion cents in 1995, but only a fraction of those—estimated at several hundred thousand—were produced with the doubled die error. Despite the high total mintage for the date, the error variety is rare in high Mint State grades. Most examples circulated or were plucked from rolls by alert collectors and handled before third-party certification became widespread.
The 1995 DDO is struck in the standard post-1982 copper-plated zinc composition, with a weight of 2.5 grams, a diameter of 19 mm, and a plain edge. While the coin does not contain any precious metal, its collectible value derives entirely from its dramatic error, condition, and demand. Coins in full red (RD) condition—those retaining at least 95% of their original mint luster—are particularly prized. The MS67RD grade from PCGS signifies a nearly flawless coin with sharp strike, vibrant color, and virtually no marks visible under magnification. PCGS uses a 70-point grading scale, and MS67 is an elite grade for this issue, representing a tiny percentage of known certified examples.
The population of PCGS-certified 1995 Doubled Die Lincoln Cents in MS67RD condition remains small compared to lower-grade coins. As of recent reports, PCGS has certified fewer than 2,000 examples at this grade, with extremely few graded higher. This makes MS67RD coins highly collectible, especially for registry set participants who aim to build the finest sets of each series. The certified slab provides not only grade assurance but also protection, ensuring the coin’s preservation for future generations. Collectors particularly value such coins for their combination of rarity, eye appeal, and authentication by a leading grading service.
In terms of market value, the 1995 Doubled Die Obverse in MS67RD typically commands prices in the range of $300 to $600, depending on eye appeal, PCGS population reports, and current demand. Coins with exceptionally strong doubling and blazing red color can fetch even higher premiums at auction. The value is also supported by the coin’s position as the most famous doubled die variety from the last decades of the 20th century—often compared to earlier varieties such as the 1955 and 1972 DDO cents, though more accessible in cost and availability.
The 1995 DDO’s prominence in modern collecting culture has led it to be included in numerous variety reference guides, including the “Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties,” which helped legitimize and popularize modern doubled die coins. It is often the first dramatic variety that new collectors encounter, and its notoriety ensures it has a lasting legacy in the hobby. Many dealers and collectors keep examples in stock or in their personal collections, making it a staple of error coin education and display.
In summary, the Certified Lincoln Cent 1995 Double Die MS67RD PCGS is a striking example of a modern U.S. mint error at its finest. With its clear and bold doubling, historical significance, and outstanding state of preservation, it stands as both an accessible entry point into mint variety collecting and a high-grade trophy piece for advanced sets. Whether appreciated for its eye-catching design or as a symbol of error detection in the modern minting process, this coin represents a fascinating intersection of numismatic artistry, mechanical happenstance, and collector passion.