2009 Formative Years Lincoln Cent Doubled Dies

Several collectors have identified doubled die varieties for the 2009 Lincoln Cent Formative Years design. The story made the front page of this week's issue of Coin World, which describes four different doubled die reverse varieties.

The doubling occurs on the reverse of the coin, around the area of Lincoln's hand, which holds the book. The first variety shows a completely separate "extra finger" between Lincoln's thumb and index finger. This one is the most visually dramatic and might get the most attention. The second variety shows doubling on Lincoln's thumb. The third shows an "extra thumb" just above Lincoln's index finger. The fourth variety shows an extra finger just below the thumb, but not as dramatically as the first variety.

The rarity of these Doubled Die Formative Years Cents still remains to be seen, but there are already over 100 listings on eBay. Earlier completed auctions show the coins selling for $20-$30, but the influx of new listings following the Coin World coverage might drive prices down.

Last week, I had opened one of my 2009 Lincoln Cents Formative Years Two Roll Sets before news of the doubled dies became more widespread. I had come across two coins with a significant die crack on the reverse that extended from the rim, almost all the way through Lincoln's head. I also found two coins that were higher grade. I put these few examples aside and put the remaining coins in a plastic tube.

After seeing the reports of the doubled dies, I went back through the Philadelphia roll and found at least one example of what appears to be the third variety with an "extra thumb." The images below show the coin with the doubling compared to a regular coin.

My pictures are not the best since I only have a scanner. Clearer images can be seen in Coin World's article, or on this page from DoubledDie.com.

Has anyone else found doubled dies? You can describe your finds in the comments, or post pictures over on Coin Network.