1938-S Lincoln Cent RPM?

[flyank]

Requesting some help with this one. At first I thought it might be RPM-003 but I am unable to match the die markers. Thanks for any opinions.....

[koinpro]

Looks like Strike Doubling (Machine Doubling).

[flyank]

Many Thanks Ken. Always appreciate the help from one of our experts. I am an engineer by trade, but as a bit of a novice at "error hunting" I thought that if I laid out the logic (much like a typical root cause analysis in a failure investigation) I employed thinking that this might be a RPM then you could help me understand the flaws in my reasoning. First and foremost I discounted the machine doubling due to the fact there was no other such evidence on any of the devices or the date...only the mintmark. It would seem odd to me that out of all the possibilities of machine doubling that just the little mintmark would be the victim with so many other opportunities in very close proximity. Then I thought that possibly I was looking at a die chip or wear on the mintmark only....but I discounted that once I saw how nicely the upper part of the underlying S was formed. And then the mintmark had a "tilted" appearance to me rather that just an offset. With multiple factors in play I concluded that just maybe this was an RPM. I realize the coin's condition is sub par making the evaluation a bit more difficult but I would be anxious to understand where I failed...it will certainly help my learning curve! Many thanks again..... Bob

[koinpro]

Bob,
Strike Doubling (MD) often only affects the MM because it is out in the open by itself. I also think there is some on the outer upper curve of the 9. Also, the upper loop of the "origian" 9 appears a bit thinned and that outside it seems flat. Also, no RPM like this listed for this heavily searched date.

[flyank]

Very good Ken...and much appreciated as always! I think my biggest take-away is to not focus on older coins as you say "heavily searched" dates since they have already been found and documented. That will save me time for sure rather than thinking I have something possibly new and worth considering. Doing this takes considerable time and patience and now knowing when to "pass" is good time management. Thank you for helping a beginner ......!

[koinpro]

You never know though when you might find something new.