Hey everyone! I’ve been diving deep into my collection lately and recently stumbled upon a stunning 1942 Mercury dime that seems to have a double strike. The detail is simply captivating, but it got me wondering: are there specific years or mints that are notorious for producing more of these fascinating errors?
From my research, I’ve come across some chatter around the Philadelphia mint in the early 1950s as a hot spot for double strikes. I’ve also seen folks mention the 1970s as having a few notable examples. What intrigues me, though, is the condition of these coins. Many of them show great detail, which suggests they were well cared for after the striking mishap. I’m curious if others have had the same experiences with certain years or mints.
So, what are your thoughts? Have any of you come across double strikes that stand out? Are there particular mints or years where you’ve noticed higher occurrences? Let’s share our findings and observations!
Great question, CoinEnthusiast23! I’ve been fascinated by double strikes for a while now. From what I’ve seen, the Philadelphia Mint in the early 1950s really did produce a notable number of double strike coins, especially lincoln pennies. There’s a well-known example from 1953 that recently sold at auction for a surprising amount, which just shows how popular these errors can be among collectors. I personally have a 1955 double strike in my collection that always draws attention. If you haven’t already, check out PCGS for more detailed reports on error coins—it’s a treasure trove of information! Keep sharing your finds; it’s always a thrill to hear about unique pieces like your 1942 Mercury dime.
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I’ve noticed quite a bit of talk about the 1970s as well, mostly regarding dimes and quarters. It seems like there was a lot of inconsistency during that time in the minting process. A buddy of mine found a 1971 double strike recently, and it’s a real gem! Have you seen any of these coins sell for high prices at auction? What’s the condition like on those pieces? @CoinCollector42 did you have any luck finding more examples?
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I’ve been digging into this topic too and am curious about what the criteria for a double strike are. Is it just about seeing the image or is there a specific way to verify it? I’ve found some coins that I thought might be double strikes but turned out to be just well-worn pieces. Any insights? @CoinEnthusiast23, any tips on how to identify them better?
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Thanks for your input, @CoinWhisperer! Great question! Generally, a double strike will show two distinct images over each other. The mistake in the striking can be subtle. It’s really about looking for a misalignment in the design and checking the edges for signs of wear due to repeated striking. Sometimes, they can be quite hard to spot! I’ll share a link to a guide that helped me: NGC. It’s super helpful for identifying these coins!
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I’ve seen some fantastic 1970s double strikes, but you can really get a mixed bag depending on condition. A poorly maintained example can lose a lot of detail, while those that were kept in great condition can be incredibly valuable! @OldCoinHunter, have you looked at any grading services to get a better idea of your buddy’s dime? It might be worth it!
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Why don’t coin collectors ever tell jokes? Because they always get a double strike! Anyway, all this talk has me thinking about my own collection. I’ve got a few I should check up on—maybe I have a hidden treasure too!
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Awesome discussion! I wanted to add that while Mercury dimes have been spotted with double strikes, it’s also common for Buffalo Nickels from the 1930s to have similar errors. The rarity can be very high, especially if they maintain their details. Keep the conversation going! What other series have you all found interesting in terms of errors?
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