What is the error on the 1983 D penny?
The primary and most significant error found on the 1983 D penny is a doubled die error, which results in a distinct doubling or "ghosting" effect on various elements of the coin, particularly the lettering.
Understanding the 1983 Doubled Die Error
A doubled die error occurs during the coin manufacturing process when a coin die receives multiple, slightly misaligned impressions from the working hub. This misalignment causes elements on the coin, such as letters, numbers, or design features, to appear as if they have a shadowed or blurred outline.
For the 1983 cent, including those minted in Denver (identified by the "D" mint mark), this doubling effect is typically most visible on the lettering on both the obverse (front) and reverse (back) of the coin. This specific error is known to have originated from a mismatch that occurred between the die and the working hub during production.
Identifying the 1983 D Doubled Die Penny
Collectors and enthusiasts look for specific characteristics to identify a 1983 D doubled die penny. Key areas to inspect include:
- Date: Look for clear doubling on the numbers "1983."
- Obverse Mottoes: The doubling is frequently pronounced on the words "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST."
- Reverse Lettering: On the reverse side, carefully examine phrases such as "ONE CENT" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" for any signs of distinct doubling or overlapping images.
It's important to distinguish a true doubled die error from machine doubling. A genuine doubled die error will show a clear, separated, and often rounded duplication of the design elements, whereas machine doubling typically appears as a flat, shelf-like distortion caused by the coin blank shifting during the strike.
Significance of the Error
While millions of pennies were minted in 1983, those bearing the doubled die error are considerably scarcer and highly sought after by numismatists. Their rarity stems from the specific production anomaly that caused the doubling, making them valuable collector's items and a notable example of minting errors.
