Coin currency's small jewels are a lovely reminder that some things were done in person rather than through a maze of data-harvesting apps. Coin collectors' prey is small enough to get lost in a pocket, let alone time.
In the excitement of the hunt, coins' valuable details and faults may be neglected. A flaw may cause a coin to appear twice when looking for rare coins, yet the real value may be far higher than its apparent value.
How to spot double die coins Coin hubbing errors cause doubled die coins. Coin dies are cone-shaped metal pieces that engrave the coin's obverse (heads), reverse (tails), and other information.
Steel is used to make coin dies because it can withstand engraving and high temperatures needed to stamp designs into other metals. Damage to this die can result in duplicate die coins with a doubled picture on the die.
The damaged die forces doubled-up design features onto blank coins in the coin press. This is different from double struck coins, which seem like double-exposed photographs by having a full or partial pattern struck twice on one coin. Instead, doubled die coins appear to be viewed through "drunk goggles."
Collectors value doubled dies differently. Strongly doubled coins are more valuable and easily identifiable because the fault is plainly a die flaw. Instead of a true doubled die, small relief shifts caused by years of circulation or a machine shifting slightly while pressing can muddy the waters.
Value of doubling die coins The 1960s and 1970s error coin collecting fad began with the 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent. Although this coin is highly collectible and frequently discussed among collectors, it may not be valuable spare change and should be checked before discarding.
The reputable Numismatic Guarantee Company (NGC) estimates that a 1955 doubled die Lincoln cent can sell for $1,000 to $85,000, depending on color and condition.
Other doubled die cents can fetch a few bucks, but not as much as the 1955 edition. Great condition 1972 doubled die cents can fetch $600. Due of its doubled die status, a rare 1930s quarter is worth a small fortune, although not as much as one of the most valuable doubled die coins ever.
A rare 1958 doubled die dime sold for $1.136 million at a GreatCollections auction in California in January 2023. This suggests that preserving and scanning pennies may be profitable. Perhaps one will be doubled-up enough to create bankable income.