1984 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

One of the most celebrated modern doubled dies in American numismatics, the 1984 Philadelphia DDO-002 — widely known as the "1984 Doubled Die" — ranks alongside the 1955 and 1972 doubled die cents as a variety that transcends the specialist community. Cross-referenced as FS-102 (038) in the Cherrypickers' Guide, this doubled die obverse shows strong spread on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, and the lower bust. The doubling is most famously visible on Lincoln's ear, where the secondary hub impression creates a dramatically doubled earlobe detectable with the naked eye — the characteristic that earned this variety its popular reputation and drives sustained demand. Die markers UVC-2380 and DMR-003 provide secondary diagnostics. Philadelphia struck approximately 8.15 billion cents in 1984 on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams, yet DDO-002 remains a single-die variety whose population is limited to coins from this one doubled obverse die. The combination of dramatic visual impact, mainstream recognition, and genuine scarcity makes this one of the most actively sought error coins of the modern era.

Die Markers

• UVC-2380; DMR-003

Attribution History

• FS-102

External References