I recently purchased one of the 1998-S SMS Kennedy halves to add to my collection. Primarily due to its rarity and I like the Matte finish. When I began inspecting my purchase, I noticed what appears to be doubling on the obverse. After a couple hours of research I couldn't find any info on this possible variety and was hoping for some input from the members. There appears to be doubling in the Date and "LIBERTY" (strongest on the "B" and "8"). The motto does not appear doubled nor the profile of Kennedy. In the research I did find photos of examples that show the same doubling on one of the premier TPG's sites but no reference to it being a variety. My experience tells me the doubling is most likely mechanical. Thoughts? Apologies for the photo quality. Still trying to figure out this Celestron microscope camera.
Your experience is telling you right, unfortunately. No split serifs, just mech doubling. What's not unfortunate is that's a really nice coin and you take in-focus pictures Edit: and I could be wrong.
Your photos could be better, but I suspect that it is machine doubling. I have two of them, and neither show evidence of machine doubling. Chris
