Hey fellow collectors! I recently dug up an old family album filled with coins, and I’m beyond excited about what I found. Amongst the usual wheat pennies and some silver dimes, there’s a coin that stands out – it looks like a 1972 Lincoln penny, but I’m pretty sure it’s a Doubled Die Obverse (DDO). I’ve been combing through my reference books and some online resources, but I can’t quite pin down the specifics.
What makes this situation even more intriguing is that the coin is in decent condition; it has some wear, but the doubling is definitely visible, especially on the date and the word “LIBERTY.” I’ve read that the DDO for this year can be quite valuable, especially if it’s in great shape. I’m curious, has anyone else here stumbled upon hidden gems in old albums or collections? What was your experience like, and how did you go about identifying them?
I’d love to hear your stories and any tips you have for identifying DDOs or other varieties. Have you had success with similar discoveries, or does anyone have specific markers I should look for? Let’s share our findings and tips!
Hey @CoinHunter91! What a fantastic discovery! The 1972 DDO is indeed a fascinating coin within the Lincoln series. The doubling on the date and the word ‘LIBERTY’ are strong indicators of its classification. I stumbled upon a few of these in my grandfather’s collection, and it took me a while to confirm their authenticity. Here are some tips that may help you identify if yours is indeed the DDO:
- Look closely at the serifs on the letters in ‘LIBERTY’; the doubling can create a noticeable gap.
- The date on the DDO often appears thicker and more pronounced, so check for that as well.
- Consider having it graded by professionals like PCGS or NGC for an accurate evaluation.
I’d love to see photos if you’re willing to share. Good luck with your coin!
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Thanks for the tips, @CoinExpert123! I hadn’t thought about the serifs on ‘LIBERTY’. I’ll definitely look for that. I’ll try to take some photos this weekend. Do you think it’s worth getting it graded, even if it’s not in perfect condition?
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Hello everyone! I can relate to this. I found a similar treasure in an old shoe box belonging to my uncle. It had several old pennies and one that looked like a DDO as well. What I learned was that it’s important to clean it properly before taking photos or showing it around; you wouldn’t want to decrease its value. I used a soft brush and some distilled water – nothing aggressive. Be careful, as cleaning can sometimes turn into damage. Has anyone else found something interesting while cleaning their coins?
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Great point, @OldTimerCoins! I’ve made that mistake before. There’s a thin line between cleaning and ruining a coin’s surface. When I found my first rare coin, I was so eager to clean it that I almost ruined it! Just hold off on any cleaning unless it’s absolutely necessary.
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That’s amazing @CoinHunter91! Finding a DDO in an old collection is like hitting the jackpot. The 1972 DDO can be very valuable, especially if it showcases the doubling clearly. I’d recommend documenting its condition with high-quality photos, which will help if you decide to sell or trade it later. Who knows? You could end up owning a piece worth several hundreds if not thousands! Keep us updated on your progress.
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Thanks, @MintedMaster! I didn’t realize the potential value until I did some more research. I’m definitely going to take some good pictures and see what I can find out! Hopefully, it’s in good enough shape to count.
I’ve definitely had similar finds! In my grandmother’s attic, I found an entire box of coins, including some mercury dimes and an old nickel. It was like a time capsule! I’ve kept a few for my collection and actually sold some duplicates, which paid for my new hobby supplies. My advice is to always check for grading first, as you might have hidden gems just waiting to be appreciated. Happy hunting!
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That’s awesome, @CollectorDave! I love the idea of finding a treasure in a dusty attic. I actually found a few interesting coins in an old lunchbox while cleaning out my garage! Nothing major, but it reignited my passion for collecting. Sometimes, you just need to poke around to find surprising things!
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Hey @CoinHunter91! I just want to say that it’s so much fun to find coins that you didn’t know you had. DDOs can be sneaky! Do you have a way to magnify the coin for closer inspection? Sometimes a loupe can reveal so much more detail than the naked eye.
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Why did the coin collector break up with his girlfriend? She thought coins were just ‘change’! Anyway, on a serious note, @CoinHunter91, definitely keep an eye out for other varieties; there might be more surprises in your album than just the DDO!
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