Hello all at Coin Talk! I am somewhat new-ish at this stuff but I find I really enjoy it. I have started going through some pennies I have had for over twenty years. I just came across a 1974D that looks like a double die but I am unsure. This is the only area of this coin where this has happened. A bit of searching online does not lead me to this specific coin with this type of error. Thanks for any help and/or ideas.
First, welcome to the neighborhood @Orlandough ! I believe what you see is the result of die deterioration and is not a doubled die. Chris
This effect is called "strike doubled," ejection doubled," "smear," "shelf doubling,"ect. depending on how old you are...LOL. It is caused by movement of the die as the coin is being ejected. It is very common on 1968-S and 1969-S cents. An interesting effect that fools many into thinking it is a doubled die cent but it adds nothing to the value of the coin.
