The 1971 Doubled Die is an ultra rare variety with several hundred believed to have been struck by the U.S. Mint and released into circulation. It is less popular than the illusive 1969-S DDO, but on par with it as a desired collectible that might still be found in bank rolls and Mint bags, the best places to find uncirculated rare errors and varieties.
Estimates are perhaps 100 or more of the 1971 DDO and its sister, the 1971 DDO FS101 are still out there.
You should be able to see most errors and varieties without a coin microscope and often, without even a loupe. That visibility is what makes them valuable and coveted.
In checking for this error, however, you may need magnification. The doubling is slight and best seen in the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.”
Here is a photo from PCGS CoinFacts, illustrating the doubling:
The 1971 DDO FS-101 is even less pronounced. The best place to look for this is in the “G” in “God” and the “I” in “Liberty.”
You would think, given the rarity, that these two double dies would bring skyrocket prices at sale. Not really, again because the doubling is less obvious.
According to PCGS CoinFacts, examples of the 1971 DDO regular strike have sold for under $100 at AU58 and below. Low mint state red brown examples are valued generally under $500 with gem MS65 bringing between $500 and $1,000. However, values soar into the thousands in higher red uncirculated grades. Go to this URL to see current auction sales.
Values for the 1971 DDO FS-101 are somewhat less. You can check out those recent auction sales at this URL.
If you believe you have found one of these two double dies, do get them graded, even if there are details such as cleaning or questionable color. Error collectors readily seek these.
If you are in the market for any rare coins or errors, be sure to purchase ones graded by PCGS, NGC or ANACS. Counterfeits have flooded the market. These days you can buy a fake coin of any rarity. Consider this 1974 aluminum cent, with only one genuine accounted for, as the Mint melted these trial strikes after vending companies complained that they would not work on their machines.
This is a plated example:
Scammers try to sell fake ones from China for thousands of dollars.
Also owning a 1974 trial aluminum cent is illegal in the United States as they were not released for circulation.
If purchasing a rare coin or error, be sure to check the holder’s certification number on those companies websites because China also exports counterfeits in fake slabs. Buy genuine ones from respected coin companies and auction houses like APMEX, GreatCollections and Heritage.
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You can find more information about types, varieties, errors, grading, bidding and buying in Coin News Updated: The Essential Guide to Online Bidding. Please consider buying or gifting the work for a friend, as it underwrites this hobbyist blog. Thank you.
