I'm super new to the world of coin collecting and would love some input about this Franklin half dollar and the doubling on certain areas, the cause?, value? Anything I missed? Any and all information is greatly appreciated.
Pictures need to be clearer, but since you have the coin in hand try comparing to listings and pictures here
This is a classic example of machine doubling which is also known as mechanical doubling, strike doubling and sometimes ejection doubling. It's very common and not worth a premium. Chris
What Chris said. I don't recall where I saw this drawing. I wish I could give credit to the original artist. A picture is worth (at least) a thousand words...
I've objected to this drawing in the past because the illustration in the upper left describing machine doubling is hardly "flat and shelf-like". Note the curve from the "upper step" to the "lower step". Chris
I agree that this drawing is not a perfect reference. Really, it does a better job of pointing out the main features of hub doubling than machine doubling. However, there is one main feature of machine doubling shown in the picture without actually being highlighted: the fine parallel ridges in the area marked "flattened". These lines are indicative of the raised area(s) of the coin actually being moved against the rest of the coin by a loose die. It's basically the metal that's still in the die as the rest of the coin is forced away from it. Ok. The picture was earlier today, but I don't think we've hit a thousand words (yet?).
Ask any draftsperson what those curved lines mean, and he/she will not say that they represent a flat area. Flat and shelf-like should look like a flight of stairs. Chris
