The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln cent shows strong, clearly visible doubling on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date. Several die varieties exist, but the Class I doubled die (DDO #1) is the famous one and routinely sells for hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Look for distinct, separated doubling on the obverse lettering and date. The Class I variety has the strongest doubling and is the most valuable. Other classes (II through IX) exist but are typically worth less.
Circulated Class I examples sell for $300 to $700. Uncirculated red specimens regularly bring $1,500 to $3,000. The other doubled die varieties from 1972 are worth $50 to $200 in mid-grade condition.
True hub doubling shows two separated, raised outlines of each letter. Machine doubling looks like a flat shelf next to the original lettering and was caused by die chatter at the moment of strike. Machine doubling is not collectible.
Yes. Numismatists have catalogued at least nine 1972 doubled die varieties, but only Class I (DDO #1) is highly valuable.
Circulated Class I examples sell for $300 to $700. Uncirculated red specimens fetch $1,500 to $3,000.
On LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date 1972. The doubling on the Class I variety is visible without magnification.
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