Ok,i found this 68 penny while coin roll hunting. It stuck out like a sore thumb amongst all of the other pennys ive looked at. It has a very glossy profile and a very interesting look overall. It looks like the entire coin is much thicker than normal on the lettering,date and on Lincoln. I apologize if the photos are bad,ill try to gett better images of it later today
The relief of many designs have softened over the years. Maybe to keep the dies lasting longer. Coins of the 60s and 70s and early 80s have a much bolder look to them. Certain years even more so than others.
The design for the Lincoln cent was redone in 1968 to produce an original look for the 1969 coin. The 1968 coin does stand out from others IMO.
It sure looks like a bolder, less detailed strike compared to the 69. Also the one thing that really makes that penny stand out is the dished shape of the entire obverse.
Kinda looks like Mechanical Doubling. Now that you've seen it, you'll probably recognize it a lot more going forward.
First time I studied a side by side of a 68 and 69. I knew there was a design change, but your post sure does show it is a very distinct change. I appreciate that.
The '68 had the IGWT and the L of liberty almost if not touching the rim and the lettering was noticeably thicker. All that was scaled back going forward. Looks like an average LMC to these old eyes.
According to, The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents by David W. Lange, The Hub Die used in 1968 had been in use since 1916.
Looks normal to me. You can check against these sites: http://varietyvista.com/01b LC Doubled Dies Vol 2/DDO 1968.htm http://www.doubleddie.com/814639.html
