Expert: Dan Moore - 12/30/2011

Question
Dear Sir, I found a 2001 RED Penny,High Grade MS-61-64 Grade.
With no V or D in VDB.The V or D are (extreemly) tiny scratch like dots,(as one tilts the coin even they disappear) and the B looks different(Blown).The Letter are all Flatish(BIG) and Thicker.Some curling on the O of GOD and Error on I of Libery.With a Power of 3X Magnification I can see some Sharp Doubling on 2001.Clear Curling on O of GOD!
As you may know,US Mint,mistakes in these (newer breed) of Pennys are extreemly hard to find,ofcourse the AM variety,but those are not Errors.Can this be a legitimate US MINT Error worth collecting?
I read topic on forums talking about this could be just a grease filled dye etc.....what your thoughts on this Topic?
Could it be the the Dye Matted and then HiT to completely wipe out the V and D in VDB and made the B (Bubblish)!A real DDO!
The only one for 2001!!

Can such a coin be PGCS certified to command value at auction?

Has there been any Reports of a 2001 DDO?

Any Links or Refrences that you could kindly lead me to will be appreciated.God Bless.

Beck
Kissimmee,FL
Happy New Year

Answer
Hi Beck,

Sounds like Die Deterioration to me.  As the dies wear out, letters get flattened out and details may go away.

It can't be a grease filled die, because the VDB letters are incuse -- not raised -- so they stick up on the coin die -- nothing to fill in.  More likely the die has worn out, or else was polished.

Being worn out, this may explain the doubling you're seeing too.

As such, I don't think it would have any collector value.

Dan