Strike Doubling scams. Be aware!
I am seeing more and more scams on eBay in which people offer strike doubled coins as the real piece. A recent one I looked at had just been bought for $135 and was a "1936 DDO." The people doing this are directly scamming people, and depleting their trust in them. I hope that you will all do a little more research to avoid getting scammed like this.
If you don't know what strike doubling is, I will explain it. Strike doubling is also called Mechanical doubling, but it doesn't matter as there is no difference to the name. Strike or mechanical doubling occurs when the die is not probably seated, and when it strikes the coin, the die moves slightly. This creates a flat sort of doubling that is often confused with true doubling. I will also include a link to an NGC article about this so you can learn more about this. If you do your research, then you will be able to tell strike doubled coins from the real thing in no time!
Here is the link to the article - https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/5688/Double-Dies-vs-Machine-Doubling/#targetText=On%20the%20other%20hand,%20there,the%20die%20strikes%20a%20planchet.
Comments
LNCS
Level 5
The image is fine for showing machine doubling. I have seen many 1969-S cents with this, and people thinking it is the rare DDO.
Longstrider
Level 6
Great subject to write a blog on. This can be a very confusing thing for some collectors. I think your photo is very good. It should be noted that machine doubling and true die doubling can be found on the same coin, though rarely. Thanks.. P.S.. This is discussed in the link to NGC. Well done..
"SUN"
Level 6
Education is the key to the hobby.
Ancient Collector
Level 4
Super thread. You have pointed out a real problem in the hobby. The original weakness is in the buyer, who is not really knowledgeable about cons and the coining process, and who probably wants to make a fast buck on the deal. The second weakness is the seller, who may actually believe they have a rarity, or may just be a scammer. I have to admit that I am not very knowledgeable about modern coining processes, but I can bend your ear for hours about ancient and medieval die making and coin striking. But then, I don't play in the modern coin field, so I will not be hurt by my ignorance. Thanks for a great blog, JudeA.
It's Mokie
Level 6
Wow JudeA, you hit upon something that is very interesting in this hobby. I also spend some time on the NGC Boards and that site attracts a lot of very novice collectors that always seem to be finding something that they think is immensely valuable. Strike Doubling is one of those things they often find and they often declare are rare and important finds. When the more experienced collectors point out the fact that strike doubling is common, most of them accept it and learn but a few, a very vociferous few, will not accept the truth and feel somewhat indignant. I think it is pretty easy to tell true doubling from strike doubling but your link makes it crystal clear. Thanks for sharing.
Mike
Level 7
If I buy on ebay I have maybe ten buyers only. Not one has a signal complaint. I have had these people.for.many years. Some are red star sellers.five or six. I studied there sites were they were from and I read any complaints they had.it took years most if not all are friends we talk on there selling site. Good people. I have no fear however if a coin I want a strange seller has a coin I look at how many sales he or.she has made . Then the complaints. After that I send them a message first.. It's not easy buying on ebay do your homework. You will be fine. You found a wonder coin there. Good eyes and good hunting.
JudeA
Level 4
I am sorry if the image is not good quality, you should be able to see the shelf like doubling on the motto. Images like this are often blurry on the ANA blog.