1943-1942-S Wartime Lincoln Cent

Despite being one of the most widely collected American coin series,  Lincoln cents continue to provide fertile ground for the discovery by collectors and experts of new die varieties -- even with coins of existing die varieties. 

A case in point is a well-known 1943-S Lincoln cent with Doubled Die Obverse that was discovered many years ago that was recently reassessed as being both that and a 1943/1942-S overdate variety. This major numismatic discovery, which has been confirmed by some of the leading experts on Lincoln cents and on die varieties, has not yet received widespread confirmation as some collectors remain skeptical, and coin price guide editors are mulling over whether to include it in their publications and websites.

It is healthy for the hobby and for Lincoln cent collectors in particular that such new discoveries are made, as they help stimulate further interest in the coins, and also healthy that those in the hobby and expert community thoroughly vet such discoveries.

1943-S Lincoln Doubled Die Variety

As recounted by longtime coin writer Tom DeLorey recently in several different numismatic publications including Coin World and CoinWeek, in early May longtime collector James Elliot contacted him to explain that another collector recommended that he contact DeLorey regarding a 1943-S Lincoln that was a known doubled die variety that he also thought was a 1943/1942-S overdate variety.

This coin has long been listed as a doubled die obverse variety in Bill Fibas’ Cherrypickers’ Guide that refers to it as FS-101, which is also how it is listed in NGC’s Variety Plus website. Such doubling is the result of two impressions of the hub. But as NGC notes, the coin is also an overdate: “Long thought to be simply a doubled-die resulting from two impressions of the 1943 hub, in 2022 this was confirmed to be an overdate. The initial hubbing was dated 1942, and this was subsequently impressed with the 1943 hub.

NGC’s census notes that a total of six such coins have been graded by the service to date.

Elliot has first discussed the possibility of this coin also being an overdate back in July 2020 in a Facebook forum, “ Lincoln Cent Errors and Varieties Only,” where he noted “the extra metal to the upper right side of the 3 matches a 2.” He also provided overlaid photos to make the same point, and DeLorey’s expert colleagues confirmed that this extra metal can’t be accounted for if the coin were only a doubled date variety with doubling in the north-south direction.

Another die variety specialist, James Wiles, also created a photo overlay that DeLorey believes shows that the “blob of raised metal to the right of the top of 3 cannot align with any part of a 3 that is doubled only north and south.”

DeLorey further explained that the reason the base of the 2 on this coin is missing and the upper right curve of the 2 is weak has to do with the way the hubbing process was done at the time.

In particular, if the second or third time the hub made impressions it came from a hub with a different date than the first one, the result is an overdate. He believes this could have occurred towards the end of any year when current date dies were still being used while those for the coming year were being prepared, which is also how other rare overdate coins were created such as the 1918/1917-D Indian Head cent or the 1943/1942-P Jefferson cent.

One collector who is not convinced made this comment on Facebook: “I'm not convinced. The second underlying date is southwest of the primary date. If there was a 2 under the 3 then this point at the base of the 2 would be lower, level with the base of the underlying 4. (Just look at a 1942 cent to see the base of the 2 is level with the base of the 4). The point shown in the red circle is just too high. It is just the center of a 3. This is a 1943 S double die, not an overdate. The "experts" here were too anxious to declare they found some Holy Grail.”

Furthermore, it is hardly coincidental that such errors occurred more frequently during wartime (with six of the seven major modern overdates having been produced during World War II) because the Mint would have been less likely during that period to destroy a die with an error that was still useable for striking coins.

This reevaluation of an existing die variety once again proves that collectors should continue looking closely at their coins and studying the latest information about them.

Sources:

Tom DeLorey, “Experts confirm 1943/1942-S 1 cent,” Coin World , June 13

FAQ

How can collectors definitively authenticate and differentiate a genuine 1943/1942-S overdate variety from a regular 1943-S doubled die variety?

To definitively authenticate and differentiate a genuine 1943/1942-S overdate variety from a regular 1943-S doubled die variety, collectors should focus on the specific features that distinguish the overdate. This includes examining the presence of the extra metal on the upper right side of the 3, which should match the curve of a 2. Additionally, using overlays and comparing with known genuine examples can help. Consulting with experts and submitting the coin to a grading service like NGC, which has already confirmed and graded such coins, will provide the most reliable authentication.

What are the implications for the value and collectability of the 1943/1942-S overdate variety compared to the regular 1943-S doubled die?

The implications for the value and collectability of the 1943/1942-S overdate variety are significant. If widely accepted and confirmed, this variety is likely to be highly sought after by collectors, thereby increasing its value. The scarcity and unique nature of overdate coins typically drive up their desirability and market price. As the discovery gains more recognition and validation from authoritative sources and coin price guides, its value is expected to rise compared to the regular 1943-S doubled die variety.

Are there any other known examples of similar overdate varieties from the wartime period, and how do they compare to the 1943/1942-S overdate in terms of rarity and historical context?

 There are several known examples of similar overdate varieties from the wartime period, which include the 1918/1917-D Indian Head cent and the 1943/1942-P Jefferson cent. These coins, like the 1943/1942-S overdate, were produced under similar circumstances during World War II when the Mint was less inclined to discard dies with errors. These overdate coins are generally rare and hold considerable historical significance, reflecting the resource constraints and operational pressures of the wartime period. Collectors often find these overdate varieties intriguing due to their unique place in history and the numismatic errors they represent. Comparing their rarity, historical context, and market value with the 1943/1942-S overdate can provide a deeper understanding of their significance in numismatics.

What is the 1943/1942-S Wartime Lincoln Cent?

The 1943/1942-S Wartime Lincoln Cent is a unique coin that was recently identified as both a doubled die obverse variety and an overdate. This means it shows features of being struck with a 1942 die and later with a 1943 die, making it a rare and interesting find for collectors.

How was the 1943/1942-S overdate discovered?

The overdate was discovered when collectors and experts noticed extra metal on the upper right side of the 3 in the date, indicating a 2 underneath. This discovery was confirmed by overlaying photos and analyzing the coin's features, leading to its classification as an overdate.

What is the significance of the 1943/1942-S overdate?

The significance lies in its rarity and the historical context of its production. Overdate coins are typically created when dies from different years are used in the minting process. The 1943/1942-S is especially notable because it was produced during World War II, a period known for such minting errors due to resource constraints.

How can you authenticate a 1943/1942-S overdate?

Authentication involves examining the coin for the specific features that distinguish it as an overdate, such as the extra metal on the 3 that matches a 2. Consulting with experts, using overlays, and submitting the coin to grading services like NGC can provide reliable authentication.

What is the value of a 1943/1942-S overdate Lincoln Cent?

The value of the 1943/1942-S overdate can vary based on its condition and the degree of market acceptance. As it gains more recognition and validation from numismatic authorities, its value is likely to increase, potentially making it a highly sought-after piece among collectors.

Why are wartime overdate varieties like the 1943/1942-S significant?

Wartime overdate varieties are significant because they reflect the operational challenges and resource constraints faced by the Mint during World War II. These coins provide a glimpse into the historical context of their production and are valued for their rarity and unique features.

How many 1943/1942-S overdate Lincoln Cents have been found?

As of the latest reports, NGC has graded a total of six 1943/1942-S overdate Lincoln Cents. The actual number in existence may be slightly higher, but these coins remain rare and highly collectible.

What are some other known wartime overdate coins?

Other known wartime overdate coins include the 1918/1917-D Indian Head cent and the 1943/1942-P Jefferson cent. These coins, like the 1943/1942-S overdate, were produced during periods of resource constraints and share similar historical significance.

What challenges do collectors face in confirming overdate varieties?

Collectors face challenges such as skepticism from other collectors, the need for expert validation, and the difficulty in distinguishing genuine overdates from other varieties. Thorough vetting and consultation with experts are essential in confirming these varieties.

How does the discovery of the 1943/1942-S overdate impact the hobby of coin collecting?

The discovery stimulates interest and excitement in the hobby, encouraging collectors to closely examine their coins and stay informed about new findings. It highlights the dynamic nature of numismatics and the potential for new discoveries even in well-studied series like the Lincoln Cent.