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1988 Lincoln Cent – FS-101 Doubled Ear DDO
Major Variety Dramatic Multi-Error Showpiece with Exceptional Mint LusterAn extraordinary and highly complex 1988 Lincoln cent featuring the official FS-101 Doubled Die Obverse combined with multiple dramatic mint striking errors that occurred during a single chaotic press cycle.Key Features:
FS-101 Doubled Ear – Strong, verifiable hub doubling on Lincoln’s earlobe (the primary diagnostic for this recognized variety), with additional doubling visible on the beard and collar.
Prominent Wire Strike-Throughs – Thin wire or debris became trapped between the dies and planchet, creating deep incuse ripping paths and grooves, most dramatically traversing the chin-jaw-ear region.
Colossal Strike / Extreme Metal Flow – Massive striking pressure produced heavy metal displacement, flow lines, and puddling across the coin. Notable effects include:
Distinct disturbances and raised ridges in the field directly above LIBERTY.
Repeated / ghosted impressions on the word TRUST in “IN GOD WE TRUST”, giving parts of the motto a multiple-hit or shadowed appearance.
Overall violent metal movement that interacts with the doubled ear and other devices.
Strong Original Mint-Made Shine – Protected fields and recessed areas retain clear, undisturbed cartwheel luster and satiny mint finish. This surviving original luster confirms the coin is a true uncirculated survivor — all defects and surface features occurred at the moment of striking, not from circulation or post-mint damage.
Grade Note
Recently evaluated as AU-58, almost certainly due to the extremely busy and complex surfaces. However, advanced error and variety specialists will see through the label and recognize the strong original mint luster, viewing this coin as MS-63 to MS-64 equivalent in technical quality. Market Context
A clean, problem-free PCGS MS63RB 1988 FS-101 Doubled Ear recently realized $64,000. This example carries the same major variety plus exceptional multi-layered striking errors and dramatic visual storytelling, making it one of the most complex and compelling FS-101 examples known.Value to Specialists
Error collectors, variety enthusiasts, and those who appreciate “Art for Defects” will recognize the full story and technical merit. With strong documentation and high-resolution photography, this piece has realistic potential in the $12,000 – $25,000 range in the specialist market.This is a standout discovery coin that rewards close study under magnification. A rare opportunity to own a 1988 FS-101 that captures multiple simultaneous mint malfunctions in spectacular fashion.