I got this coin today - just loved the machine doubling on it. Blow up the picture at look, at the date, the left of the eagle, the top of United. You can see it on the reverse also - completely around the wreath if you look hard enough. I included some of snap shots. Sometimes I am easily impressed - and besides it is nicer than my current 1858 small letters. Now would someone confirm my reasoning for saying machine doubling. I first looked at it and thought doubling - like in DDO. I stopped then looked again and came to the conclusion it was machine doubling because - if double struck I should be able to see two eyes to the eagle, I should be able to see a second upper point to the 1, and the same for the I in UNITed. Was this sound reasoning or just lucky reasoning? Or am I wrong.
I concur. It looks like machine doubling to me. Notice the "terracing"? That occurred when the die chattered and sheared off the metal as it moved. That distinguishes machine doubling from die doubling.
I agree, that's what makes me think it is mechanical doubling. As to your line of reasoning Mark, I would have to say that no it is not valid. Mechanical doubling often only affects certain areas while no sign of it at all is seen in other adjoining areas. I don't know of anyone who has ever come up with an explanation of why that is exactly, it just is.
