Definition: Die deterioration doubling is a form of image doubling on coins that is often confused with true doubled die coins. Portions of the coin, usually the date and inscriptions, appear to be doubled, just like on a doubled die specimen, but upon close examination it becomes evident that the effect of doubling is actually caused by die fatigue and deterioration. Rather than seeing the clear, sharp doubling of the letter or number thus affected, you will see a mushy sort of "shadow" image, usually in the direction towards the rim of the coin.
A particularly famous example of die deterioration doubling occurs on the 1955 Wheat-back Lincoln Cent, and this is the only type of deterioration doubling that has any monetary value at all. So many people were looking for a 1955 doubled die cent that coin dealers started selling 1955 cents that merely looked a little bit doubled as a result of die deterioration! Over the years, these "poor man's doubled dies" have gained a sort of cachet of their own, and are actually worth a modest premium in Mint State grades.
See also:
Die Abrasion Doubling
Doubled Dies
Mechanical Doubling
A particularly famous example of die deterioration doubling occurs on the 1955 Wheat-back Lincoln Cent, and this is the only type of deterioration doubling that has any monetary value at all. So many people were looking for a 1955 doubled die cent that coin dealers started selling 1955 cents that merely looked a little bit doubled as a result of die deterioration! Over the years, these "poor man's doubled dies" have gained a sort of cachet of their own, and are actually worth a modest premium in Mint State grades.
See also:
Die Abrasion Doubling
Doubled Dies
Mechanical Doubling
Examples: If you can't afford $30,000 for an MS-65 1955 doubled die penny, you can buy the "poor man's doubled die," which is actually just an example of die deterioration doubling, for about $3.00.
