The 1956 penny error list features several valuable varieties that collectors actively hunt for today. These wheat pennies represent the final years of an iconic design that ended in 1958.
Accurate identification is crucial for coin collectors searching through older pennies. A genuine error can transform a common wheat cent into a prized collectible worth serious money.
Many valuable 1956 errors hide in plain sight among ordinary coins. Professional tools like CoinKnow can help you identify these errors instantly, provide professional grading, and determine accurate market values.
Here's everything you need to know about 1956 penny errors and their current market values.
Â
Rare 1956 Penny Error List & Value
1. 1956 Penny Double Die Obverse Error
The double die obverse remains one of the most desirable 1956 penny errors. This variety shows clear doubling on Lincoln's profile, the date, and "LIBERTY" lettering.
The error originates from a misaligned hubbing during die production. Each impression creates a slightly offset duplicate image.
Values for 1956 DDO pennies range from $30 to $200 depending on doubling strength. Uncirculated examples with strong doubling command the highest premiums from serious collectors.
Focus your examination on Lincoln's eye, ear, and bowtie areas. These spots typically show the most visible doubling on genuine specimens.
Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations. This coin value app eliminates confusion between genuine errors and damage.
Â
2. 1956 Penny Double Die Reverse Error
The double die reverse affects the wheat stalks and lettering on the back. "ONE CENT" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" display noticeable doubling.
This error also results from multiple hubbing impressions during die creation. The wheat ears often show the clearest evidence of doubling.
DDR 1956 pennies typically bring $25 to $150 at auction. Condition and doubling prominence directly impact final selling prices.
Examine the wheat stalks under magnification for any thickness or separation. The lettering should show raised, three-dimensional doubling on authentic errors.
Finding the Right Tool for Error Detection
To help collectors authenticate these valuable varieties, I tested over 10 free coin value apps specifically for their accuracy in detecting 1956 penny errors. The results showed significant differences in detection capabilities and grading precision. The two apps recommended below consistently delivered the most reliable identifications across all error types.
Â
3. 1956 Penny Repunched Mint Mark Error
Repunched mint marks (RPM) occur on 1956-D pennies from Denver. The "D" mint mark appears struck multiple times in slightly different positions.
Mint workers manually punched mint marks into dies during this era. Misalignment or correction attempts created these distinctive varieties.
RPM errors on 1956-D pennies sell for $10 to $75 depending on visibility. Dramatic repunching with clearly separated letters brings premium prices.
Look for shadowing, doubling, or offset images around the mint mark. Some varieties show the secondary punch north, south, east, or west of the primary mark.
Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations. This coin value app catalogs known RPM varieties for easy comparison.
Â
4. 1956 Penny Die Crack and Cud Error
Die cracks appear as raised irregular lines across the coin's surface. These lines trace fractures that developed in the steel dies during production.
Cuds form when pieces of the die break away near the rim. The result is a raised, blob-like area of extra metal.
Minor die cracks add $5 to $25 in value to 1956 pennies. Significant cuds affecting design elements can bring $50 to $175.
Genuine die cracks feel raised when you run your finger across them. Scratches and damage feel incuse or recessed into the surface.
Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations. This coin value app distinguishes mint errors from post-production damage.
Â
5. 1956 Penny Off-Center Strike Error
Off-center strikes create dramatic visual errors that collectors love. The design shifts to one side, leaving a blank crescent of unstruck planchet.
This error happens when planchets feed incorrectly into the coining press. The collar fails to center the blank before striking.
Off-center 1956 pennies with visible dates bring $20 to $100. Specimens struck 50% or more off-center can exceed $150.
The date must remain visible for maximum value. An undated off-center coin loses significant collector appeal and market worth.
Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations. This free coin identifier app calculates off-center percentages automatically.
Â
6. 1956 Penny Lamination Error
Lamination errors result from impurities in the planchet metal. Gas pockets or foreign materials create peeling, flaking, or missing layers.
These errors occurred during the planchet preparation process at the mint. The copper alloy sometimes contained contaminants that caused separation.
Lamination errors on 1956 pennies typically sell for $15 to $60. Larger, more dramatic peeling brings higher values from error collectors.
Look for raised flaps, missing metal areas, or bubbled surfaces. The affected areas should show original mint luster underneath.
Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations. This coin value app recognizes various lamination types quickly.
Â
7. 1956 Penny BIE Error
The BIE error shows a small raised line between the "B" and "E" in "LIBERTY." This creates the appearance of an extra letter "I."
Die cracks in this specific location cause the BIE variety. It's one of the most popular and recognizable Lincoln cent errors.
BIE errors from 1956 sell for $5 to $30 depending on prominence. Clear, well-defined examples attract the most collector interest.
The raised line should connect both letters without interruption. Partial breaks or faint lines reduce the variety's desirability.
Need help identifying this error and checking its value? CoinKnow offers instant AI-powered identification, professional grading, and real-time market valuations. This coin value app spots BIE varieties during scanning.
Â
How Much is a 1956 Penny Worth? Coin Identifier I Recommended
Identifying valuable 1956 penny errors requires careful examination and reliable tools. These two apps help collectors authenticate and value their finds.
CoinKnow offers the most accurate grading among coin identifier apps available today. It automatically detects doubled dies, repunched mint marks, and lamination errors on wheat pennies. The AI scanner provides instant valuations based on current market data. Free daily scans make it perfect for collectors building wheat cent collections.
CoinValueChecker combines error detection with market tracking features. Beyond identification, it monitors auction results and price trends for vintage pennies. Collection management tools help organize your wheat cent holdings effectively. Choose this app when you want identification paired with investment analysis.
Both apps support collectors in discovering hidden value within their 1956 pennies.
Â
