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1984 Doubled Die Obverse

Small Cents · Lincoln Memorial Cents · 1959–2008
Variety
Weight2.5 g
Diameter19.05 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 8,151,079,000 Combined mintage for all 1984 Philadelphia varieties
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
CompositionCopper-plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper)
DesignerVictor D. Brenner / Frank Gasparro
Collector's Key IDCK-705

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About this coinHistory

The 1984 Doubled Die Obverse shows noticeable doubling on Lincoln's ear and on the inscriptions "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "LIBERTY." The doubling on the ear lobe is the most commonly cited diagnostic feature; under magnification, a distinct secondary earlobe is visible, offset from the primary one. The effect gives Lincoln the appearance of having a doubled ear.

The 1984 DDO was produced when a working die received a misaligned hub impression at the Philadelphia Mint. The variety shares the enormous 1984 Philadelphia mintage of over 8.15 billion, but only coins from the specific doubled die qualify. The variety carries a moderate premium. It is more common than the great rarities of the series (1969-S DDO, 1972 DDO) but less common than minor doubled dies that require extreme magnification. The doubled ear is a reliable identifier that can be spotted with an ordinary magnifying glass. Authentication is still recommended for coins being sold at a premium.

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 1984 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Memorial Cents were minted?
8,151,079,000 were struck (Combined mintage for all 1984 Philadelphia varieties).
What is a 1984 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Memorial Cent made of?
Copper-plated Zinc (97.5% Zinc, 2.5% Copper), weighing 2.5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1984 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 1984 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.