Hey fellow collectors! Lately, I’ve been diving deep into the world of doubled die errors, and I stumbled across a 1955 Lincoln penny in my collection that really caught my eye. The doubling on the “Liberty” and “In God We Trust” is quite pronounced, and I’m still riding the high from having attributed it myself! But, it got me thinking about the fascinating stories behind these errors.
So, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Have you ever come across a doubled die error that you were able to attribute? Or perhaps you have stories about those tricky coins that just didn’t pan out? For instance, I spent hours researching diagnostic markers for a 1972 quarter, only to find out it was just an optical illusion! It’s moments like these that remind me how much there is to learn.
Let’s share our successes and challenges! What techniques do you use to identify these errors? Any resources you recommend for further research? And if you have any pictures, I’d love to see them!
Great topic, CoinEnthusiast92! The most memorable doubled die I encountered was a 1972 Lincoln cent. It’s notorious for its doubling, but distinguishing the real deal from just a bad strike can be frustrating! I spent a couple of weeks researching the diagnostic markers and comparing images on PCGS CoinFacts. I finally concluded its authenticity based on the split serif on the ‘2’ in the date. What a rush it was when I finally confirmed it!
- What helped me the most was using a magnifying glass and taking high-resolution pictures to compare later.
- To catch the elusive errors, I recommend referencing NGC’s guides as they are extremely valuable for identifying different types of errors.
Have you found any specific resources particularly helpful in your journey?
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Thanks for sharing, Joe! It’s incredible to hear about your journey with the 1972 cent. I’ve been heavily relying on US Mint’s website for some historical context, but I need to check out the NGC guides you mentioned! Attributing these pieces correctly is such a thrill, isn’t it? I can relate to the feeling of the adrenaline rush when you identify something valuable!
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Replying to your OP, CoinEnthusiast92. I’ve got a wild story about a 1956 D Lincoln penny! I initially thought it was a double die but turns out it was just a freaky visual artifact from the minting process. Always make sure to verify twice! My biggest mistake was not trusting some doubts when I didn’t see the markers in the right places. Now I always double-check with others— knowledge sharing is key! Anyone else have tips on identifying fakes?
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That’s a good reminder, SilverSeekers! I once bought a 1970 penny thinking it was a doubled die until I brought it to a local show and the dealer just laughed! Turns out, it was merely a worn die. Always good to get a second opinion! I think many of us can relate to that; I’d say, share pictures as much as possible!
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To really deepen your understanding of doubled dies, a solid method is comparison. I often use this CoinTalk guide to pinpoint subtle difference markers. Pay close attention to liberty and the date for the classic offsets. Plus, I personally love sharing my finds—from 1937 nickels to all kinds of Lincoln cents. Coin collecting isn’t just a hobby; it’s an ongoing learning experience. Just last month, I helped a newbie at a local meet attribute their first doubled die, and you could feel the excitement in the air! Anyone else had that moment of joy with a fellow collector?
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Absolutely, OldCoinGuru! I felt that joy just last week! I found a 1955 penny with doubling similar to what CoinEnthusiast92 described. It’s such a thrill to unearth errors! I shared the find on my Instagram, but I’m still working on getting the best close-up shots! Any tips for photography?
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Joking aside, I once thought I had a doubled die on a quarter but it turned out to be a greasy fingerprint! Lesson learned: Clean with care! Be sure to confirm the error with a clear eye before jumping to conclusions. Happy collecting, everyone! Have fun digging deep into your collections!
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Hey everyone! I have a 1942 nickel that has some crazy doubling on the Monticello side—think it reaches out a bit! I’m kind of stuck though because I can’t seem to find definitive info on it. Has anyone else dealt with something similar? Would appreciate any guidance! @CoinEnthusiast92, your input would be great!
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DoubledDieDude, I haven’t come across a 1942 nickel but I recommend checking out that NGC pricing guide. It might help clarify whether it’s a known variety or just a minting artifact. Please share a picture if you can; I’d love to see it!
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Whew! Mistakes are part of the learning curve! Last month, I found a supposed 1976 double die, but it ended up just being a very worn coin. Look at the doubling carefully! I think we all wish to jump into conclusions, but patience is part of the game. How does everyone keep track of their coins with errors? A spreadsheet might be an overkill?
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I actually use a spreadsheet, WheatPennyHunter! It’s helpful for documenting my findings. But I agree, it’s easy to get carried away, especially with exciting finds like doubled dies. I wonder if a dedicated app might be in the works to make tracking more efficient! Have any of you tried coin-tracking apps?
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