Hey everyone! I’ve been on a hunt for Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) coins lately, and it’s been quite the journey. Just the other day, I stumbled upon a roll of 1983 pennies at a local coin shop, and my heart raced when I spotted what looked like a clear doubling on the word ‘Liberty’. Of course, this isn’t my first dig—I’ve spent countless hours researching DDO varieties on forums, reading articles, and binge-watching YouTube videos to ensure I don’t miss any detail.
After some careful examination, I believe this penny might actually be a pretty good find! The condition isn’t perfect, probably around an MS-62, but the doubling is quite pronounced. I’d love to hear from you all—have you ever discovered a hidden gem while scouring through your coins? What tips do you have for spotting those elusive DDOs? Any advice on how to assess condition or rarity would also be super helpful.
Looking forward to hearing your stories and maybe even sharing some images. Let’s inspire each other in this thrill of the hunt!
Absolutely! I once found a 1972 DDO in a bag of mixed change! The doubling on the ‘In God We Trust’ was very evident. After examining it under a loupe, I knew I had something special. I spent a lot of time trying to verify its authenticity, and eventually sent it to NGC for grading. It came back as an MS-64, which was better than I expected! I highly recommend checking the edges and the field around lettering, as that can often reveal hidden gems. For anyone just starting out, don’t forget to look at recent auction prices for similar coins at NGC or PCGS to gauge rarity. Keep the hunt alive!
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That’s awesome! Finding a DDO like that in circulation is rare. I think it’s crucial to understand the different varieties when searching for DDO coins. One mistake is thinking all doubling is the same. You might find something you think is a DDO, but it ends up being a machine doubling instead. I always keep a list of known DDO varieties on my phone for quick reference! Do you have a guide that you recommend?
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Thanks for sharing! It’s always encouraging to hear success stories like yours, CoinHunter99! I definitely agree that examining the areas around the lettering is essential to spotting potential DDOs. As for guides, I love using the resources available on the US Mint website. They have helpful information about different coin types. I’ll have to start keeping a reference list as well! What kind of tools do you guys use for identifying these varieties?
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Great discussion! For tools, I highly recommend getting a good digital microscope. It allows for a detailed view of any imperfections or doubling that may be present. You can often find them for a reasonable price on sites like Amazon. I’ve had some amazing finds, like a 1969-S DDO that I thought was damaged, but turned out to be a hidden gem. Feel free to reach out if you have questions about using microscopes!
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I’ve found a few DDOs as well, but the thrill of the hunt is half the fun. I usually hit garage sales or estate sales more than coin shops—you never know what you might find! Anyone else have tips for places to look? 
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So true! Garage sales are a goldmine! I once picked up an entire box of old coins for just $20. Found some DDOs and a whole bunch of other interesting varieties in there. Definitely worth the time spent looking! 
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I have a suggestion for you! For spotting DDO coins, always familiarize yourself with the known varieties. For example, the 1983 and 1972 strikes are among my favorites. I find that using resources like the PCGS website helps immensely. They have detailed guides on multiples that can assist you in your search. Happy hunting!
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Thanks, OldCoinGuy! Great advice! I’ll definitely check out the PCGS variety guides. I want to make sure I maximize my chances of finding another DDO soon. Has anyone here ever submitted coins for grading? Was it worth it? I’m curious about your experiences.
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I submitted a few coins last year to NGC, including a 1972 DDO. The process was straightforward, and I appreciated their customer service. It took about 6 weeks total but seeing the grades come back was thrilling. The coin ended up as an MS-65, and it boosted my confidence in my collection! If you’re considering it, I say go for it!
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