The Lincoln cent celebrated its centennial in 2009. In the course of being the longest running U.S. coin design, many interesting mint made die varieties have been discovered. Some are very prevalent in the series and for generations have been included in albums and the Guide Book as regular issues. Among these are the 1922 “No D” and the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse. Others, like the 1969-S Doubled Die, are very rare and sell for large sums whenever offered at auction. There are many minor varieties as well, including repunched mintmarks, letter size variations, etc.
One such variety, the 1917 Doubled Die Obverse, is not often encountered. Struck during the First World War, this variety escaped notice at the time of issue, and many entered circulation. Being offered in our official auction of the July Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo in Baltimore, is a new discovery, a lovely example certified by PCGS as MS-64+RD. The coin arrived at Stack’s Bowers in an album of Lincoln cents that had been carefully assembled over the years. Vice President of Numismatics Vicken Yegparian was reviewing the set for auction, when he happened across the 1917 slot in the album, and upon close inspection noticed the doubling at the date and in the legend, all diagnostic for the variety.
The coin is very attractive golden-orange copper color with some minor obverse spots that are overshadowed by the overall beauty and vibrant luster.
Look for this and other important coins in the Stack’s Bowers Galleries July 2015 Baltimore Auction. We are still accepting consignments for this event. Contact a consignment director today by calling 800-458-4646 (West Coast) or 800-566-2580 (East Coast). We look forward to working with you.
