I Tested Every Method to Identify a 1936 ‘Broken R’ Cent – Here’s the Definitive Guide

I Tested Every Method to Identify a 1936 ‘Broken R’ Cent – Here’s the Definitive Guide

When I first noticed the odd “broken R” in LIBERTY on my 1936 Lincoln cent, I knew I had to investigate. Was this a valuable doubled die variety, or just damage? Over weeks of research, I tried every authentication trick in the book. Here’s my hands-on comparison of what methods actually work – and which ones waste your time.

Approach 1: Visual Comparison to Known Varieties

The 1936 DDO-FS-101 Theory

Several collectors swore my coin matched the 1936 DDO-FS-101 doubled die. I spent hours comparing mine to reference images from CoinFacts and the Lincoln Cent Resource. The results surprised me:

• What worked: The high-res photos made it easy to spot true doubling in the motto and date
• Reality check: My coin’s “broken R” showed a completely missing leg – nothing like the overlapping letters of a genuine FS-101

My Verdict

This wasn’t a doubled die. The lack of doubling in other areas (especially the date) was the smoking gun.

Approach 2: Ruling Out Post-Mint Damage

The “It’s Just Damage” Argument

I’ll admit – I hoped it wasn’t just damage. Under 10x magnification, here’s what stood out:

• Good sign: Normal wear would show smoothed edges on the damage
• Key finding: The “broken R” had crisp, sharp edges – clearly not from circulation wear

My Verdict

This wasn’t your average damaged coin. The precision of the missing leg suggested something more interesting.

Approach 3: Consulting Specialized Resources

Turning to the Experts

I dug into the Lincoln Cent Resource and PCGS CoinFacts. Here’s what I learned:

• Pro tip: These sites have the clearest photos of known varieties
• Limitation: Not every minor die error makes the books

My Verdict

No matches found. Either my “broken R” was ultra-rare… or too insignificant to document.

Approach 4: Debunking YouTube Theories

The “Broken Leg Rarity” Video

One YouTube video claimed this was a special error. My fact-check:

• Potential value: Videos can show coins from multiple angles
• Big red flag: No reputable sources backed up the claims

My Verdict

Another dead end. The video’s examples didn’t match my coin’s features at all.

The Step-by-Step Method That Works

After all this testing, here’s my battle-tested process for identifying a 1936 “broken R” cent:

1. Start with FS-101: Eliminate the obvious doubled die first
2. Magnify the damage: A loupe tells you if it’s wear or something more
3. Hit the books: PCGS and Lincoln Cent Resource should be your go-to
4. Skip the hype: YouTube “discoveries” usually don’t hold up

Final Thoughts

My “broken R” cent? Probably a minor die break that slipped through quality control. The real value was learning how to separate real discoveries from wishful thinking. Next time you find an odd coin, follow this process – it’ll save you from expensive mistakes and false hopes.

Related Resources

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