1943 Merc DD

I suggest that it is deceptive Machine Doubling. If it were die doubling, there would be a nice notch on the lower left "corner" of the crossbar on the 4. There would also be a clear notch at the upper portion of the 4 that is not here.

Also, that much doubling on the top of the 4 would indicate that there should be that much doubling on the top of the 9 and while there is what appears to be doubling on the tail of the 9, the top shows no doubling.

Another consideration is that doubled die would cause the numerals to look wider. In this case, the doubling of the numerals is accomplished by metal moving as evidenced by the fact that the doubling sits on top of the numerals that are there.

Anyway, that's my take on it.

Thanks,
Bill

It could be ejection doubling? Usually this is seen on the center of the devices. It would probably sell high on ebay as they buy anything there.

What I like to do is look at the texture of the doubled area. If it is Machine Doubling, the area that is doubled will have a streaked shinny texture. However, if the texture is the same as the top surface of the date there is a higher probability of it being a double die.

This is a good example of what I mean for Machine Doubling. You can see the streaknig and how it reflect the ligh differently.