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1971 Doubled Die Obverse

Small Cents · Lincoln Memorial Cents · 1959–2008
Variety
Weight3.11 g
Diameter19.05 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 1,919,490,000 Combined mintage for all 1971 Philadelphia varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition95% Copper, 5% Zinc
DesignerVictor D. Brenner / Frank Gasparro
Collector's Key IDCK-649

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About this coinHistory

The 1971 Doubled Die Obverse is a variety that shows clear doubling on the obverse inscriptions, particularly "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST." The doubling is visible under low magnification and in some cases can be detected with the naked eye. The variety was produced when a working die received a misaligned secondary impression from the hub.

The 1971 DDO shares its mintage with the regular 1971 Philadelphia cent (over 1.9 billion), but only a fraction came from the affected die. The variety carries a modest premium in all grades. Collectors of doubled die varieties include it in their sets, though it does not approach the fame or value of the 1969-S or 1972 doubled dies. Authentication is advisable to distinguish true hub doubling from the more common and less valuable machine doubling.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1971 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Memorial Cents were minted?
1,919,490,000 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1971 Philadelphia varieties).
What is a 1971 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Memorial Cent made of?
95% Copper, 5% Zinc, weighing 3.11 g.
What is the melt value of a 1971 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Memorial Cent?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1971 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Memorial Cent a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.