I recently unearthed a 1960 Lincoln penny that appears to have a double strike, and I’m both excited and a little puzzled. The detail on the obverse is particularly striking—pun intended! I’ve done some research on double strikes, and it seems like this could potentially increase its value, but I’m not sure how to assess its condition accurately. It has some wear from circulation, which complicates things. The double impression is evident, especially on the date and parts of Lincoln’s face, but it’s not a perfect strike either.
I’d love your insights on determining its grade! What specific aspects should I look for in assessing its condition, especially considering it’s a minor coin? Have any of you experienced something similar with double strikes before? What are the best resources or tools you use for grading?
Sounds exciting! A double strike on a 1960 Lincoln penny can indeed be a nice find. To assess its condition, look closely at the mint luster, wear patterns, and the clarity of the double image. You might find that the aspects of the double strike will show more clearly if you use a magnifying glass. Check for signs of wear on Lincoln’s face and the wheat ears on the reverse – these can significantly affect the grading.
Use a grading scale: Familiarize yourself with the 70-point grading scale to get a rough estimate of its condition.
Online resources: Websites like PCGS and NGC offer detailed grading guides that can be quite helpful.
Good luck, and feel free to share pics if you can!
Thanks for the tips, @NumismaticNerd! I’ve checked out PCGS and NGC before, but I’ll dive deeper into the grading scales now. I did notice some wear on Lincoln’s face, which makes me a little worried about the overall grade. I’ll definitely post some pictures once I find a good way to capture the details. Appreciate your input!
Ah, double strikes are so interesting! I found a 1943 penny with a similar issue a while back. Just like you, I was torn between excitement and confusion regarding its grading. The key thing I learned is to examine the details closely: if parts of the coin are slightly blurred or doubled, that can indicate a genuine double strike. Just be cautious, as some may appear that way due to high amounts of wear. Have fun exploring this further!
Thanks, @PennyCollector23! It’s reassuring to hear from someone who’s gone through a similar experience. I’ll definitely take a closer look for those blurred details and try to differentiate between genuine double strikes and wear. Did you end up getting a professional grade for your penny? I’d love to know how it turned out!
Sure thing, @CoinWhisperer! I did send my 1943 penny to get graded, and it came back as a VF35. The double strike was very noticeable on the reverse, but the wear brought down the grade quite a bit. I was a bit disappointed, but it’s still a unique piece! Hope yours turns out great too!
Regarding grading: double strikes can add significant value, especially if you can confirm authenticity. I’d recommend taking a picture and comparing it to known examples on sites like US Mint. If you’re uncertain, you could also consider getting an expert opinion from a local coin shop. They could help assess the coin without costing you too much. Remember, condition is key!
How cool! I think finding double strikes is one of the best thrills in coin collecting! Have you tried cleaning it? Just a light touch with some water can sometimes reveal more details without harming the coin.
Thanks, @CoinOp! Yes, I haven’t attempted cleaning yet, but I’ll be careful about it. I’ve read horror stories about cleaning coins, you know? Some people swear by it, while others say it can ruin the value altogether. What’s your take on that?
Totally get that! Cleaning coins is definitely a double-edged sword. Most experts recommend against it unless it’s absolutely necessary. If the dirt is not affecting the visibility of the coin’s details, leave it be! The original patina can add value. If you choose to clean, just use distilled water and a gentle touch. Good luck with your grading!
Just wanted to chime in! Double strikes are an amazing addition to any collection! If the coin has significant wear, it may only fetch a modest price, but it’s the story and rarity that can make it special. Keep us updated on your grading journey! Maybe even try submitting it for grading when you’re confident about its condition!
Thank you all!I really appreciate all the insights and encouragement! I’m feeling more confident in my grading skills and the overall excitement of this find. I’m definitely considering submitting the penny for a professional grade once I feel ready. I’ll keep you posted on what I decide!