1955-S Lincoln Wheat Cent MS66 RD Certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC)

A High-Grade San Francisco Mint Lincoln Cent

This 1955-S Lincoln Cent is a strong example of mid-century U.S. coinage, struck at the San Francisco Mint during the final years of the Wheat Cent series. With a total mintage of 44,610,000 coins, the 1955-S issue is widely collected in high grades due to its historical context and condition rarity at upper Mint State levels.

Well-preserved examples like this are increasingly sought after by collectors building high-quality Lincoln cent sets.

Lincoln Wheat Cent Design

The obverse features Victor David Brenner’s iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln, first introduced in 1909. The design showcases sharp detail in Lincoln’s hair and profile, along with bold legends including “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the 1955 date with the “S” mintmark.

On the reverse, the classic wheat ears frame the denomination “ONE CENT” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” a design used from 1909 through 1958 and widely recognized among collectors.

MS66 RD Grade Explained

This coin has been graded MS66 RD by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC). An MS66 designation indicates a premium-quality Mint State coin with strong strike characteristics, excellent luster, and only minor marks or imperfections visible under magnification.

The “RD” (Red) designation signifies that the coin retains its original bright red copper color, a highly desirable trait for Lincoln cents. Full red examples are significantly more sought after than “RB” (Red-Brown) or “BN” (Brown) coins, especially in higher Mint State grades.

Collector Appeal & Condition Rarity

While the 1955-S Lincoln cent is a relatively available date in circulated grades, high-grade MS66 RD certified examples are much more difficult to find with strong eye appeal and original color intact.

This makes the coin an appealing option for collectors focused on registry-quality sets or premium Lincoln Wheat Cent collections.

A Premium Addition to a Lincoln Cent Collection

Whether you’re building a complete Wheat Cent set or upgrading to higher-grade certified examples, this 1955-S Lincoln Cent MS66 RD offers a combination of quality, originality, and long-term collectible appeal.

Encapsulated and authenticated by NGC, it provides both protection and confidence for years to come.