How to Find a 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent (FS-101)

The 1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln cent, catalogued as FS-101, is one of the major doubled die varieties in the entire Lincoln cent series. An estimated 75,000 examples were struck from the doubled working die before it was identified and pulled, making it scarce relative to the billions of ordinary 1972 cents produced that year.

GetCoinHunt helps you search inventory from multiple coin dealers in one place, compare available examples, and create a wishlist alert when the right coin is not currently listed.

What makes the 1972 Doubled Die Obverse cent important to collectors?

A doubled die occurs when a working die receives two or more misaligned impressions from the hub during manufacture, so the design elements appear doubled on every coin struck from that die—unlike machine doubling, which happens later, during striking, and looks flatter and shelf-like.

More than ten different doubled dies are known for 1972-dated Lincoln cents, but only one—the variety catalogued as FS-101 (formerly known by the older designation DDO-001)—is considered a major variety with strong, dramatic doubling visible to the naked eye. It’s often mentioned alongside the famous 1955 and 1969-S doubled die cents as one of the three best-known 20th-century Lincoln cent doubled dies.

How to identify a 1972 Doubled Die Obverse cent

Check the date and LIBERTY

On a genuine FS-101 example, all four digits of the date show strong, separated doubling toward the southwest, and the word LIBERTY shows matching doubling in the same direction. The doubling should be bold and clearly readable as two distinct, complete impressions—not a blurry or shelf-like smear.

Rule out machine doubling

Machine doubling (sometimes called strike doubling) is common on many coins and is not the same as a true doubled die. It typically looks flat, shallow, and shifted to one side, often affecting only part of a design element, and it does not carry the premium a genuine doubled die commands. If the doubling looks weak, flat, or inconsistent rather than bold and rounded, it’s more likely machine doubling than the genuine FS-101 variety.

Compare against certified reference images

Because a strong doubled die like this one is also a target for people describing ordinary coins as doubled dies by mistake, compare any candidate coin against PCGS or NGC reference photos of the confirmed FS-101 before assuming you have one.

Buying considerations

Certified versus raw coins

Buying a certified example from PCGS or NGC that explicitly attributes the coin as “1972 DDO FS-101” removes the guesswork of distinguishing it from machine doubling or a minor doubled die. Verify the certification number on the grading service’s own website before paying a premium price.

Understanding grades and color designations

As with other copper Lincoln cents, certified examples carry a color designation alongside the numerical grade:

• BN — Brown: most of the original red color has changed to brown.
• RB — Red-Brown: a mixture of red and brown remains.
• RD — Red: most of the original mint-red color remains.

Red (RD) examples in high Mint State grades bring the strongest premiums. Values have reportedly run roughly $450 for MS64 Red, $690 for MS65 Red, and $1,000 for MS66 Red, with exceptional certified examples—such as an MS67+ Red coin—selling at auction for several thousand dollars.

Problem coins

Cleaning, spotting, corrosion, and environmental damage reduce both eye appeal and value, same as with any copper cent. A details-graded example can be a lower-cost way to own the variety, but the stated problem should be reflected in the price.

Suggested search terms and filters

Begin with a broad search: “1972 doubled die cent,” “1972 DDO Lincoln cent,” or “1972 FS-101.”

Then narrow by:

• Grade: MS64, MS65, MS66, MS67 and above
• Color designation: RD, RB, BN
• Certification: PCGS, NGC, or “certified 1972 DDO FS-101”

Availability and pricing notes

Prices scale steeply with grade and color. Circulated and lower Mint State examples are attainable for collectors on a modest budget, while Gem and superb Gem Red examples command substantial premiums. Listings and asking prices don’t necessarily represent completed-sale values, so compare multiple certified examples before buying.

GetCoinHunt does not guarantee that every listing is authentic, accurately graded, or fairly priced. Authentication, grading, pricing, return policies, and fulfillment remain the responsibility of the dealer or marketplace offering the coin.

How the GetCoinHunt wishlist alert works

1. Search for the coin. Enter “1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln cent FS-101” to search participating dealer inventory.
2. Review the available matches. Compare listings by grade, color designation, certification, and asking price.
3. Add the search to your wishlist. If the right example isn’t available, save it as a wishlist item.
4. Get notified about new matches. GetCoinHunt sends an alert when new dealer inventory matches your wishlist.
5. Evaluate the coin before buying. Verify certification and photographs, and review the seller’s terms.

Frequently asked questions

What is FS-101 on a 1972 cent?

It’s the catalogue number for the major 1972 Doubled Die Obverse variety, identified by strong, bold doubling on the date and LIBERTY.

How rare is the 1972 DDO?

An estimated 75,000 examples are believed to have been struck from the doubled die, making it scarce compared with the billions of ordinary 1972 cents produced, though not as rare as some other doubled die varieties.

How do I tell it apart from machine doubling?

Genuine doubled die doubling is bold, rounded, and clearly separated into two complete impressions. Machine doubling looks flat, shallow, and shelf-like, and doesn’t command the same premium.

What does RD mean on a certified 1972 DDO cent?

RD means Red—the coin retains most of its original mint-red copper color. It’s the most sought-after color designation, followed by RB (Red-Brown) and BN (Brown).

What if no suitable coin is currently available?

Add “1972 Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln cent FS-101” to your wishlist below. You’ll be notified when newly detected dealer inventory matches your search.

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