Stack’s Bowers Galleries are proud to be offering the sole finest example of the 1917 Doubled Die Obverse in the upcoming Official Auction of the Spring 2019 Baltimore Auction.
James McCartney writes:
Lincoln cents are among the most intensely studied and collected series in all of United States numismatics. The wealth of varieties makes it very interesting, as well, and considerable enjoyment can be had without investing more than face value. However, as a variety becomes more dramatic it also increases in desirability, eventually gaining fame among non-cent specialists as has the 1955 Doubled Die Obverse.
Among these iconic Lincoln cent varieties is the 1917 Doubled Die Obverse, FS-101. It has one of the most pronounced Doubled Die Obverses in the entire series, with sharp doubling to the digits in the date and the letters GOD WE TRUST in the motto. Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton describe the 1917 FS-101 DDO as, “arguably the most sought after of the early Lincoln cent varieties.” The high regard in which this variety is held among specialists is universal, with David W. Lange (The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents, 1996), writing:
“A distinct, doubled-die obverse is known for [the 1917] and has become extremely popular with specialists. Uncirculated examples remain quite rare. This variety is illustrated in A Guide Book of United States Coins (the Red Book), also in Walter Breen’s Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins and The Lincoln Cent Doubled-Die, by John A. Wexler. This assures that it will always be in demand and will command a premium price when properly attributed.”