Is there an easy way to distinguish a double-die?

S. M. writes: I would like to know if the 1995 Lincoln cent with the double die has a mint mark. Also, on the 1984 Lincoln cents that has a double die (Lincoln’s ear lobe), is there an easy way to distinguish it? Thanks, we are in the learning process.

A Doubled Die is a incorrectly made working die. Only the coins made from that die will exhibit the defect. The 1995 Lincoln cent doubled die was only in use at the Philadelphia Mint and has no mint mark.

The 1984 Lincoln cent doubled die has a strong doubled ear lobe. It would have to have this diagnostic to qualify. You could use a 1984-D cent for your model for the “normal ear” die.