1972 Lincoln Cent, Memorial (1959-2008)
Doubled Die Obverse, FS-101
Key Features
The 1972 doubled die Lincoln cent (FS-101) is, after the 1955 DDO, the most famous doubled die in the entire series, showing bold, easily visible doubling on the date, LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST, no magnification required. Roughly 20,000-30,000 examples are believed to have entered circulation before the error was caught, and most survive in circulated grades; strictly uncirculated examples command a large premium. Because the doubling is so dramatic, it is one of the most commonly counterfeited or misidentified varieties, machine-doubling (a worthless mint-caused shelf effect) is frequently mistaken for it, so comparison against verified FS-101 diagnostics or third-party attribution is strongly recommended before assuming a coin is genuine. If you believe you have found one of these coins, contact Frostbyte Coins at frostbytecoins@gmail.com or through our YouTube channel @FrostbyteCoins we can help guide you toward professional third-party authentication through PCGS or NGC
Intriguing History
A Philadelphia die for the 1972 Lincoln cent produced bold, easily visible doubling on the date and lettering, making it, after the famous 1955 doubled die, one of the best-known and most collected doubled-die varieties in the entire Memorial cent series.