1891 Seated dime displays doubling...common?

[cwhays1-migration]

I purchased a 1891 seated 10c graded ms 64 by NGC. This is the first of my collection and I do not have a book on the subject as of yet. Under magnification I have noticed doubling on the obverse. Several letters in "United States Of America" exibit doubling. Is this common? Any other information would be appreciated.

[Hoot]

Hi cwhays1 - I'll try to answer your question, but I have no definitive reference.

 

What you are describing is very likely machine doubling. I don't know how familiar you are with this, but it is commonly seen in the letters of many denominations. It occurs when a die "bounces" while striking a coin and causes the letters to shear. This gives them the appearance of a shelf-like doubling that can be visually dramatic. In fact, the phenomenon can be more dramatic in appearance than true doubling, which will have a rounded appearance and will often be of similar relief to the lettering.

 

It is possible that you've found a truly doubled piece that a specialist would know of, or a new variety, but that is unlikely. It is also possible that if a known variety exists, that it went to NGC without the Variety Plus srevice and was not attributed. However, I think you should consider the possibility of machine doubling.

 

If you have a chance to get a good picture, please post it.

 

Hoot