1995-P Double Die Obverse? Possible New Find Update!

Quote:
Hello Edward,

I have processed the 1995 Lincoln Cent that you submitted for attribution in a package postmarked July 10, 2014.

Unfortunately I have to report that the doubling seen on your coin is not the result of a doubled die. In my original e-mail to you I wrote, "What I see in the photos does indeed appear to be a new obverse doubled die variety for the 1995 Lincoln cents." Sadly, photos can be deceiving which is why I never confirm a new listing based on what is seen in photos. That's why I further wrote, "To confirm that it is a new variety, assign it a listing number, and shoot the appropriate photos of the doubling and significant die markers, I would need to see the actual coin."

The doubling on your 1995 cent is a form of doubling known as "mechanical doubling." It has also been referred to as "machine doubling, Strike Doubling, shelf doubling", and sometimes as "ejection doubling." It is caused when loose parts in the coining presses allow the dies to shift and bounce slightly at the moment of impact in the striking of the coin. On coins with raised design elements the result is a flat, shelf-like secondary image. This is most evident on the word WE on your coin, but also appears on TRUST. Genuine doubled dies will have a raised and rounded secondary image like the rest of the letters and design elements. On coins with incuse design elements the bounce creates a secondary impression on the coin that produces doubling very similar to that seen on genuine doubled dies. Serious doubled die collectors consider Mechanical Doubling to be a form of damage rather than a collectible form of doubling. As soon as mint technicians tighten up the loose parts in the presses, this type of doubling is no longer produced.

You can get more information on Mechanical Doubling as well as photo examples of Mechanical Doubling compared to doubled die doubling, on my website at http://www.doubleddie.com . Once there, click on the Worthless Doubling link in the left column menu. Scroll down and then click on the link for Mechanical Doubling. You can also copy and paste the following link directly into your computer's browser: http://www.doubleddie.com/144822.html

After the initial excitement I am sure that this is a major disappointment. It is disappointing to me as well as I was looking forward to using it in my Coin World column.

Good luck with all of your collecting efforts. Your coin will go out in the mail today.

Sincerely,
John A. Wexler