I know you get these questions all the time, and i've tried looking at your and various links about doubling but still not clear to me how to determine if double die or machine double. I was looking at a 1938 S mercury dime and looks like doubling to me but i'm no expert. Please help, tks.
If it's flat and shelflike as on your dime then it's not a Doubled Die. BTW.. The correct numismatic terminology is Doubled Die not double die. Big difference.
Hi @TDE and welcome to CT. I concur with the above post (from a very knowledgeable error and variety collector) that your coin shows flat and shelflike machine doubling. Here are a couple of links to respected sites that will enhance your knowledge. First is showing you that there are no listed examples for your 1938S, but is also a great reference site for many denominations. http://varietyvista.com/06 Mercury Dime/DDO Listings.htm Second is a site that will give you invaluable info on the minting process and how dies are made, and doubled dies. https://doubleddie.com/
The diagram helps along with explanation. I understand now when they talk about thickness and spread. Yeah this newbie is slowly getting it.
It’s doubled alright but it MD or mechanical doubling and that makes it a spender. Of course being as it’s silver it’s a keeper but only for junk silver.
