So I got a cheap digital microscope, someday I will get one of those $800 DSLR setups with a Macro lens.. but not real soon, lol. I no longer fear going blind from hours of staring into loops! It looks like there is some mechanical doubling above the 7 and next to the 9, but the stem of the 9 just might be something else, let me know.
http://www.coppercoins.com/lincoln/dateguide.php?date=1971 Here is the link you need, jakoman. Give me a like if it helps.
I know both sites, checked wexler too but didn't find a match. I found a 72 that needs a closer look too, but I need to setup a more stable jig for my digi-scope. once I have a solid mount where I can fine tune the height for better focus control I should be able to get some decent shots to compare. My current setup is a little closer to to a popsickle stick/bubble gum/duct tape construction model, but I can see more than I could with my loop or cheap camera.
Tough to tell. I see what MIGHT be notching on the 9, but I would think a doubled die would show notching in more than 1 place in the date. Keep up the hunt!
Here is one that looks like the 197 in the date all have some notching. There are 2 of the 1972 that I was looking at too. .
I'm pretty sure the 1972 is a trick of the lighting, as I have seen similar anomalies on coins that disappeared when I changed the light angle. Any chance you could change the angle of your light source and take another shot? I'm not convinced it is a doubled die. Keep up the hunt!
That is possible. I am basing my opinion on just the date of the cent. If this is a true DDO, it will show on all devices, except the MM. A picture of the entire cent would be needed for a more accurate opinion. I believe as of now, there are six different obverse varieties of this date.
Actually I have access to a Nikon d60 with a decent lens. It may take a couple days, but it will be worth it for the options it comes with. I should be able to get a definitave high resolution shot with that. I know what you are saying about the light artifact deal though. I will look at it through one of my "trying to blind myself while squinting one eye for hours" pocket microscopes, I have one that I can use in natural sunlight I have found that helps sometimes.