1958 Lincoln Cent. FS-101. Doubled Die Obverse. MS-64 RD (PCGS).

1958 Lincoln Cent. FS-101. Doubled Die Obverse. MS-64 RD (PCGS).，An intriguing variety and exceedingly rare coin that stands tall among the highlights in the present collection. Indeed, this is one of the most significant Lincoln cents of any variety that we have ever offered. A particularly strong Doubled Die in the 20th century U.S. coinage series, all types included, the spread to the doubling is wide and pronounced on the letters in the word LIBERTY and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Less pronounced doubling is also evident on the digits in the date, particularly the 8. The spread on the lettering rivals that of the famous 1955 and 1972 Doubled Die Obverse cents, although the extreme rarity of the 1958 Doubled Die Obverse means that this variety is less well known than those other, far more plentiful varieties. Satiny in finish with full light rose luster, a touch of haziness to the obverse seems to be the only feature precluding a full Gem rating. An otherwise full strike comes up just a bit short at the base of Lincolns bust and in the opposing area on the reverse (read: the upper left portion of the letter O in ONE). Solid Choice quality throughout, and almost certainly on its way into another high ranked Lincoln cent variety collection on the PCGS Set Registry.<p>A leading rarity among 20th century U.S. Mint varieties, the 1958 Doubled Die Obverse cent was unknown to the numismatic community until the early 1980s. In 1983 or 1984 ERRORAMA in Cherry Hill, New Jersey made the first report of this variety. As of the 1996 publication of David W. Langes book <em>The Complete Guide to Lincoln Cents</em> only a single example (the discovery specimen?) had been certified by the leading third party grading services. That coin, certified MS-64 RD by ANACS as of Langes writing, seems to have since been crossed to a PCGS holder. To date, only three examples of this variety have been positively confirmed to exist, which total squares with the three grading events reported on the <em>PCGS Population Report</em>. The three certified examples are as follows:<p>1 - PCGS MS-65 RD. Part of the Stewart Blay Collection.<p>2 - PCGS MS-64 RD. <strong><em>The present example</em></strong>.<p>3 - PCGS MS-64 RD.<p>The first 1958 Doubled Die Obverse cent that your cataloger (JLA) has ever had the privilege of examining, our offering of this coin represents a highly significant and fleeting bidding opportunity for the legion of collectors that has made the Lincoln cent series one of the most popular in U.S. numismatics.，From the ESM Collection.，