Hey fellow collectors! I was sifting through my change jar the other day and came across a coin that caught my eye. It seemed to have some unusual characteristics, which led me down the rabbit hole of learning about double strike coins. For those who don’t know, a double strike happens when a coin is struck twice on the same planchet, resulting in overlapping designs or text. It’s a fascinating error coin!
Now, I’m curious—what’s the best way to identify if I’ve stumbled upon a double strike? I’ve done a bit of research and found that looking for misalignment in the design or doubled letters can be key indicators. However, my coin has some wear and tear, making it tough to determine its status. Have any of you dealt with this before? What specific details do you look for?
I’d love to hear your experiences and insights! Have you found any double strikes in your collections? What’s the most unique one you’ve encountered? Let’s share tips and maybe even help each other figure out the mysteries hiding in our collections!
Great topic! Double strike coins are indeed a fascinating area of numismatic errors. A double strike occurs when a coin is struck twice, often resulting in misalignment or overlapping designs. Here are some key things to look for to determine if your coin is a double strike:
- Examine the overall design for shifted images.
- Look closely at the edges of letters; if they appear doubled, that’s a very good indication.
- Check the details on both sides of the coin; sometimes the reverse can reveal more clues.
Assuming your coin has some wear, you might still be able to see these details with a loupe. I once found a 1944 penny with a slight double strike—it was a game changer for my collection! I’d suggest cross-referencing some images on
PCGS for comparison to what you have. Good luck with your hunt!
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Thanks for the insight, @CoinExpert123! I’ll definitely get my loupe out and give it another look. It’s reassuring to know that others have found success with similar coins. Do you have any examples of particularly striking (pun intended!) double strikes that you could share?
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I totally get it, @CoinGuru87! Double strikes can be tricky to identify, especially with wear. One thing that might help is flipping the coin over in varying light. Sometimes the angle can reveal subtle overlaps that aren’t apparent at first glance. I found a 1976 quarter a while back that looked normal until I saw the shadow effect from the light hitting it just right. Keep us updated on what you find!
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I love error coins! I found a double strike nickel from 1983 last year. It was such a thrill because I initially thought it was just worn out. But then, in the pile of coins, I noticed the distinct doubling on the word ‘Monticello.’ If anyone else is looking into error coins, be patient and definitely check every coin! The thrill of a find is worth it!
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Wow, @CuriousCollector! That’s exciting! I never thought I’d hear about a 1983 double strike nickel. I’ll be sure to keep my eyes peeled for anything unusual. How do you store your error coins? I’m trying to find the best way to preserve their condition.
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I’ve always been fascinated by double strikes! In my experience, the rarity can be extremely valuable, so you should definitely investigate further. I’ve read that some double strikes can fetch high prices, especially if they’re well-preserved. Just ensure you handle them properly. If you’ve got a valuable find, maybe consider getting it graded by a professional on NGC.
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Thank you, @OldCoinFan! That was exactly the kind of insight I was hoping to get. Unfortunately, my coin isn’t in mint condition, but I’ll keep the idea of grading in mind. Do any of you have suggestions for preserving coins that show some wear?
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Great discussion! If you’re trying to preserve worn coins, I suggest using the right storage method. Avoid cleaning them, as this can reduce their value. Use soft holders or capsules to protect from scratches. What I do is store my coins in an archival-safe container. And don’t underestimate the power of humidity; use desiccants to keep moisture away! Happy searching!
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If you’re looking specifically to identify double strikes, check out some examples on USMint. They often have clear descriptions of errors that you can use for comparisons. For protecting your coins, I can’t stress enough the importance of proper environmental conditions—temperature and humidity play a crucial role in preservation!
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Thanks for the tips, @NerdyNumismatist! I never thought about using resources from the US Mint! As for the wear, I’ve been keeping the coins in a cool, dry place, but I might need to invest in some proper holders. Any recommendations on brands?
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