The 1936 Broken R Cent: A Technical Deep Dive into a Rare Error Coin

That “broken” penny in your collection? It might not be what you think.

I’ve spent years studying error coins, and the 1936 “Broken R” cent is one that keeps popping up in collector circles. At first glance, that odd break in the “R” of “TRUST” looks exciting – could it be the legendary FS-101 doubled die? The truth is more nuanced. Let me walk you through what makes this coin so fascinating (and why it’s probably not the jackpot find some claim).

Is it really a doubled die? Let’s examine the facts

True doubled dies have telltale signs that separate them from damage or mechanical doubling. Here’s what we look for:

The smoking guns of a genuine 1936 DDO

• Not just one broken letter – doubling should affect multiple design elements
• Clean separation lines in the doubling (not jagged like damage)
• A documented pattern matching known examples

The “Broken R” usually fails these tests. As PCGS experts note:

“Authentic FS-101 examples show doubling throughout the motto and date – not just an isolated break. Most ‘Broken R’ cents we see are either die breaks or later damage.”

What every collector should know about error coins

This coin teaches us two crucial lessons about numismatics:

1. Why YouTube isn’t a grading service

That viral video claiming every “Broken R” is a rare find? It’s caused more confusion than clarity. Real error identification takes hands-on experience, not just screen time.

2. The paper trail matters

Genuine FS-101 examples have:

• A documented history in major collections
• The same specific doubling pattern across coins
• Listing in standard references like Cherrypickers’ Guide

What to do if you find a potential 1936 error

Don’t get excited – get methodical. Here’s my advice:

First: Compare properly

Use these verified characteristics as your checklist:

FS-101 Hallmarks:
- Clear doubling in "IN GOD WE TRUST"
- Doubled elements in the date
- Sharp, not fuzzy, separation lines


Second: Get professional eyes on it

Services like PCGS or NGC offer:

• Specialized lighting to reveal true doubling
• Access to their vast error coin databases
• Official certification if it’s the real deal

Why 1936 coins are special (even without errors)

The 1930s were a fascinating time at the Mint:

• They were testing new die preparation methods
• Production demands led to more quality variations
• Technology transitions created unique anomalies

While your “Broken R” might not be a $5,000 rarity, it’s still a piece of minting history worth understanding.

The bottom line for collectors

After examining hundreds of coins, here’s what I’ve learned:

• True doubled dies have consistent, identifiable patterns
• Reputable references beat internet hype every time
• 1930s coins have unique characteristics worth studying
• Patience and knowledge trump rushed conclusions

The joy of coin collecting isn’t just in finding treasures – it’s in becoming the kind of collector who knows a real treasure when they see one. Keep looking, keep learning, and remember: every coin tells a story worth examining carefully.

Related Resources

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