1858 Overstrike ?

[Justin]

Hi all,

I bought this 1858 penny a few weeks ago and have been studying the forum for answers but I am not convinced as to what variety if any it is.

The 1858 appears to be overstruck on another 1858 I think, but the GRATIA also appears double struck?? I have checked against an 1854 and on the 1854 the DEI GRATIA all appears to be double struck!

Vicky pennies are confusing!!!!!!

So I am asking again for the experts help!

[Justin]

And the Gratia

[Rob]

Repunched letters and numerals are common as it was done to extend the life of the die. As regards your date, it is impossible to say without removing all the crud blocking the digits.

[Colin G.]

Your example is showing signs of some form of machine doubling, where the machinery involved has caused the die to chatter resulting in the "effect" of doubled lettering in the legend. It is usually more evident in the legend/outer areas of the coin, you will notice that the doubling will all be to the same extent in the same direction.

[Peckris]

I have an 1858 with identical effect, at least on the date :

[Justin]

I have an 1858 with identical effect, at least on the date :

Thanks everyone,

The machine doubling seems to make sense in what I can see.

Regards