Expert: Troy Thoreson - 8/29/2009

Question
Troy,
    While looking through some new acquisitions I came across what appears to be a partial double date.  The coin is a 1943 S steel penny in BU condition.  There is a partial doubling of the back of the vertical line of the four.  Further, the lower loop of the three is obviously doubled with the doubling rotated out slightly.  Also the lower portion of the "S" is missing along the front curve.
    I am curious to know if this a recognized error.  I could find nothing listed that mentions this type of error.
    I would appreciate any assistance that you could offer.

Thanks,

George Carpenter

Answer
Hi George,

For some reason there are many different variations on steel cent dates/mint marks.  Many of these coins have a doubled look.  I suspect that during WWII the U.S. Mint had to make major adjustments from producing copper cents to zinc/steel cents, therefore, causing minting problems with the pressures used to mint the cents.  These pressures caused the die to shimmy slightly when producing the coins.   Most all of these variations are caused by machine doubling and are produced during the striking of the coin vs. hub doubling which produces an incorrect die (which is a true double die).  Many years ago I also was excited to see what I thought was a double die 1943-S cent only to find out it had not extra value.  Your coin is most likely a novelty item with lots of history.

Yes, the following is a canned response designed to help the novice collector with general information.  If you need more explanation or you feel my answer is to short, please call me or reply with a more specific question.  I own and operate an active coin shop and I apologize in advance if my answer is short, to the point, or lacking detail.  Again, please reply or if I missed something or if you need more information.

Information given about values is general and determined by current market conditions and/or the price of metals.  Prices and values are subject to change.

Please remember to never clean coins, this can damage and lessen their value.  Also, soft plastics can contain harmful chemicals that can react with coins over time.  Try using inert materials when storing coins.  Plus, it is always a good idea to store coins in a safe.  The safe should not be exposed to the elements and should not be up against a wall to the outside.  These are just a few tips I have learned over the years to help keep your collection in top shape.

If you found this information helpful please nominate me for category expert in coins.  If coming through Los Banos, CA please feel free to look us up at Thoreson Numismatics, 947 6th Street, Los Banos, CA  93635.  209-826-0777, email troy@aucpro.com.   Please remember that we are always in the market to buy and sell coins, currency, tokens, and medals both U.S. and World.  We are also licensed to buy scrap gold & platinum jewelry.  

Thanks for the question,


Troy Thoreson, President
Auc Pro, Inc.
Thoreson Numismatics
www.aucpro.com
Life Member American Numismatic Association #5362
Life Member California State Numismatic Association #L6204
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