Expert: PAPAJACK - 10/5/2008

Question
Is there a variety of the 1849 $5 gold liberty head coin where the "49" on the date is double marked; or is this an unusual coin?

Answer
Hello Nora,              

I did not find a variety listed for the coin you mention I cannot say if it is common or unusual either.
This does not mean it is not a true variety though, just t hat is does not command a higher value than the same date coin from another set of dies. Therefore it does not warrant a separate listing.
So the value for the coin remains the same as any other 1849 half eagle in the same grade.

There is also a condition known as mechanical doubling. This is not caused by a doubled in the die itself but the machine producing the coin is out of tolerance.

Here is a good web page The National Collectors Association of Die Doubling describing the difference between hub doubling and machine doubling:

http://www.geocities.com/NCADD/educational1.html

I hope this information helps.

Good Luck
PapaJack