Part X. Wastebasket/Composite Categories:

Doubling:

Abrasion Doubling (debunked)

Definition: Two types of abrasion doubling were defined by Alan Herbert, 1) inside abraded die doubling and, 2) outside abraded die doubling.

Inside abraded die doubling was alleged to be a type of intentional modification applied to a working die.  An abrasive was said to be used to restore and enlarge letters that had lost clarity due to die wear.  This form of abrasion doubling has been shown not to exist.  All purported examples of inside abraded die doubling are clearly cases of die deterioration doubling.

Outside abraded die doubling was said to be an occasional side effect of intentional die abrasion (“die polishing”, “stoning”, “lapping”).  Such a procedure is undertaken to remove light clash marks and other superficial damage.  The application of an abrasive was said to move metal around so as to create a secondary image.  This form of doubling has also proven to be a myth.  Most purported examples are simply cases of die deterioration doubling.  The most dramatic alleged case (shown below) also was determined to be the result of die wear.

This 1971 cent shows the development of secondary, incomplete letters and numbers.  A set of secondary letters is found above the RTY of LIBERTY.  An incomplete, secondary 9 and 7 are found above the middle two digits of the date.  The secondary elements have an irregular, beaded appearance.  Similar-appearing clusters of microscopic bumps appear elsewhere on the design.  Clusters and lines of bumps are shown here arranged along Lincoln’s mouth and above and below his beard.  Short, closely-spaced spikes extend from the back of Lincoln’s coat.  The bumps and spikes are all manifestations of die deterioration.

This cent has been classified by some as a doubled die.  Since doubled dies don’t display a beaded appearance, it’s highly unlikely that this diagnosis is correct.