Mercury Dime DD?

I believe that this is what is called Machine Doubling or Strike Doubling. The flat, shelf-like appearance of the doubling and the fact that the serifs aren't split are key indicators. I found a very similar 1942-D Mercury dime and was very exited at first. I purchased "The Cherrypicker's Guide to Rare Die Varieties" at the next coin show I went to and was extremely disappointed to read the section on " Strike Doubling vs. Die Doubling". My incredible find was quite common indeed. I learned so much from the book, and have since cherrypicked several valuable varieties. I would recommend it to anyone interested in collecting. I will never forget the time I purchased a double die from a dealers junk box. Don't be discouraged though, keep on looking and you'll find that DD eventually. By the way, your pictures were excellent. How did you take them?

There's no stupid questions right? Okay here goes: What's a serif? What's a split serif?b

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so how exactly do I have a 'doubling' affect on my coin, and it not be a 'double die'?

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Hi Tempest

check out this site it may help in understanding that there are several forms of doubling !! the type that is present on the die(Doubled Die) and the type that is caused from other factors in the minting process.

http://koinpro.tripod.com/Articles/...Doubling.htm

Metalman

First let me say that you are not retarded in the least Tempest, and that is not a stupid question thingee. A serif is a short decorative line at the end of the main character. In this case the little flag at the end of the 1 in the date. Also notice the tail of the 9 in the date, there is no separation. Take a look at the link provided by metalman. Scroll down to the image of the 1974-D half in the collectable section. Notice that the serifs in the t's and the u show separation, also notice the tail of the r. These are indicators of a true double die. Strike Doubling vs. double dies seems to be one of the most confusing concepts that collectors run into. There is definite, sometimes dramatic, doubling occurring. However it's caused by a loose die in the press rather than a doubled image in the die itself.