the 1974 looks very thick to me. I can’t find any ddos on doubleddie of it. Is it a ddo? Last pic is normal
Appears to be flat and shelf like at the 9 & 7 which would be machine or mechanical doubling, not a doubled die.
Letter and numerals can flatten out and "thicken" as the age of the die progress's. Early strikes can be nice and sharp but as time goes along they tend to flatten. Look at a nice B.U. example and compare to others. Sometimes collected debris can cause this to happen also. You are on the right track though as many doubled dies do exhibit thickness to the lettering but that is hub doubling. If in doubt send off to John Wexler, it does not cost much and would give you some peace of mind. I have been known to be wrong and if so will certainly own up.
