Grading the 1972 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die: When to Submit and What to Expect

Grading the 1972 Lincoln Cent Doubled Die: When to Submit and What to Expect

Condition is everything. Here is how to look at the high points and fields to determine the true grade of this piece.

Historical Significance

The 1972 Lincoln Cent doubled die varieties represent one of the most fascinating episodes in modern U.S. coinage. While the 1955 doubled die cent remains the most famous, the 1972 issues offer collectors an accessible entry point into the world of die varieties. The Philadelphia Mint produced several doubled die varieties in 1972, with the FS-101 (formerly known as the 1972 Doubled Die Obverse) being the most valuable and sought-after.

What makes the 1972 doubled dies particularly interesting is their accessibility. Unlike the 1955 variety, which commands five-figure prices in high grades, the 1972 doubled dies can be found in circulation with some diligence. However, this accessibility doesn’t diminish their importance to variety collectors and Lincoln cent enthusiasts.

Identifying Key Markers

When examining a potential 1972 doubled die cent, the first step is to identify which variety you might have. The forum discussion correctly points out that the coin in question is likely FS-107, not the more valuable FS-104. The key diagnostic feature of FS-107 is the “pimple on the lip” – a distinctive doubling that appears as a small raised area on Lincoln’s lower lip.

To properly identify the variety, examine these critical areas:

• IN GOD WE TRUST – Check for strong doubling in the letters
• LIBERTY – Look for spread in the letters, particularly in the “IBERTY” portion
• The date – Examine for doubling in the numerals
• Lincoln’s profile – Note any doubling in facial features

The forum member who suggested using Variety Vista’s detailed guides was absolutely correct. The 1972 doubled dies show considerable variation in which areas are affected and the degree of spread. Some varieties show dramatic doubling in the motto but minimal doubling in the date, while others show the reverse pattern.

Wear Patterns Analysis

Examining the wear patterns on this particular coin reveals several important grading considerations. The forum discussion notes that “the devices are what’s marked up” while “the fields are nice and clean.” This is a crucial observation for grading purposes.

On a properly struck Lincoln cent, the highest points of relief include:

• Lincoln’s cheekbone and jaw line
• The hair detail above the ear
• The bow tie
• The coat lapel

The forum correctly identifies that the ear appears “flat,” which indicates wear on one of the highest points of the design. This wear pattern is consistent with a coin that has seen moderate circulation but has been preserved in relatively clean fields.

The “two slashes in the face” mentioned in the discussion are particularly problematic for achieving a high grade. These contact marks on the cheek area significantly impact eye appeal and technical grade, as the cheek is one of the first places graders look for signs of circulation wear.

Luster and Strike Quality

While the photos don’t provide definitive information about luster, the discussion suggests this is likely a copper-plated zinc cent rather than a bronze composition. This is important because the 1972 cents were the last year of the traditional 95% copper composition before the switch to copper-plated zinc in 1982.

For a coin potentially in the AU-55 to MS-63 range, you would expect to see:

• Original mint luster in protected areas
• Satin or frosty luster on the devices
• Minimal breaks in luster due to circulation

The strike quality appears adequate based on the discussion, though the flat ear suggests either a slightly weak strike or wear. On well-struck 1972 cents, you should see full detail in Lincoln’s hair and clear definition in the coat and tie details.

Eye Appeal Considerations

Eye appeal is often the deciding factor between grades, especially in the circulated range. The forum discussion notes this is a “nice, pretty coin,” which suggests good overall visual appeal despite the contact marks.

Key eye appeal factors for this coin include:

• Clean, mark-free fields (as noted in the discussion)
• Even coloration without spots or discoloration
• Good contrast between devices and fields
• Minimal carbon spots or staining

The forum member who suggested this could “go 66RB” may be overly optimistic given the contact marks described, but the overall assessment of it being an attractive example is likely accurate.

PCGS/NGC Standards Application

Applying professional grading standards to this coin, we need to consider several factors:

MS-63 to MS-64 Range: The clean fields and decent strike could support this grade range, but the contact marks on the cheek and the flat ear likely prevent a higher grade. The doubling itself doesn’t affect the technical grade, though it does add collectible value.

Circulated Grades: If there is rub on the high points beyond what appears to be a weak strike, this could fall into the AU-50 to AU-58 range. The forum discussion suggests AU-55 as a possibility.

Red-Brown Designation: If this retains significant original red color in protected areas while showing some toning on the high points, it could qualify for a Red-Brown (RB) designation, which typically adds a modest premium.

Value Guide and Submission Decision

The forum discussion raises an excellent point about the economics of grading. Several members reference the “$200 added value rule,” suggesting that a coin should be worth at least $200 more in certified holders than raw to justify the grading costs.

For a FS-107 1972 doubled die, the value breakdown might look like this:

• Raw, unidentified variety: $1-5
• Identified FS-107 in certified holder: $15-50 depending on grade
• FS-101 in certified holder: $100-500+ depending on grade

The forum correctly concludes that FS-107, while collectible, doesn’t have sufficient value to justify the grading costs for most collectors. The suggestion to submit to ANACS if variety attribution is desired is sound advice, as ANACS specializes in variety attribution at reasonable prices.

Authentication Considerations

Beyond grading, authentication is crucial for any potentially valuable variety. The forum discussion mentions that poor-quality photos make definitive attribution difficult. For proper authentication, you would need:

• High-resolution images of key diagnostic areas
• Proper lighting to show die markers clearly
• Comparison with known examples of the variety

The forum’s suggestion to compare with the variety listings on Variety Vista is excellent advice. Proper attribution requires careful comparison of multiple markers, not just one diagnostic feature.

Conclusion

This 1972 Lincoln cent presents an interesting case study in variety collecting and grading decisions. While it appears to be a collectible FS-107 doubled die variety, the combination of contact marks, potential wear on high points, and the relatively modest value of this particular variety make professional grading unlikely to be cost-effective.

For collectors, this coin serves as an excellent example of why careful examination and proper attribution are essential before investing in grading services. The difference between a common 1972 cent worth a few dollars and a rare FS-101 worth hundreds or thousands depends entirely on proper identification and condition.

The forum discussion demonstrates the collaborative nature of numismatics, with multiple experienced collectors contributing their expertise to help the original poster make an informed decision. This type of community knowledge sharing is one of the most valuable aspects of coin collecting, often saving collectors from costly mistakes while helping them learn to properly evaluate their collections.

For this particular coin, the best course of action would be to properly attribute the variety, store it appropriately, and perhaps submit it to a variety specialist like ANACS if the owner wants the attribution in a holder. As a collectible example of a 1972 doubled die, it has historical and educational value regardless of its monetary worth.

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