has anyone heard of this error?

[yellow1053]

I have a 1988-D cent that looks very much like there is a "phantom" D between the date and the normal D. has anyone seen this particular dated error before?

[car10]

Can you post a photo?

[yellow1053]

Well, it's so faint, I don't know how good it will show, but I'll try tonight.

[Brad]

In 1990 to U.S. Mint began placing Mintmarks on Master Dies. In 1997 and 1998 the mint made a master die with the D mintmark using a master hub with a D mintmark, then removed the mint removed the D from the master hub to make a master die without a mintmark. This process resulted in a so called "Phantom" D being seen on Philadelphia issues. The "Phantom D" ranges from weak to invisible on all 1997 & 1998 cents. The "Phantom D" can really only be seen on BU coins. It is very common, and very hard to see. Extremely difficult to photograph. There may be other years that have a Phantom D. I've seen some for sale on Ebay for $10 or less. I have never heard of this for any earlier dates. You can find all of this and more on page 141 and 152 of The Complete Price Guide and Cross Reference to Lincoln Cent Mint Mark Varieties by Brian Allen and John Wexler.

[Shingpumps]

I have the 99 -p phantom D. My camera won't pick it up either. The one I have looks like may be brass plated.

[yellow1053]

Ok, thanks for all the info, after studying this coin and photographing it, I now think it's a D/D/D I can see what appears to be two distinct upper halfs of the D between the normal D and the date. here goes.... (first attempt at posting with pics)
thanks.
Jim.
http://home.comcast.net/~yellow.1/pics/DSC00013.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~yellow.1/pics/DSC00015.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~yellow.1/pics/DSC00020.JPG

[snowman]

nice pictures

this might similar to the debunked 1980D FS-034.1

but i dont see it in the picture - maybe others see what your seeing ...of course its easier when its in your hand

i did see there is 9 1988's D/D on the Coneca master list - maybe its one of these

[yellow1053]

Thanks, I don't have this "master list" is that available on the net? or do I have to join them first? Also, I have used Photoshop on the following picture so you can see where I see what I do. hope this helps.
thanks again.
Jim.
http://home.comcast.net/~yellow.1/pics/DSC00015R.jpg

[car10]

It's free just click on it . CONECA variety master lis (http://www.conecaonline.org/variety_listings.html)t. They only list RPM's and Doubled Dies so far. No Transitional Varieties ... yet.

[Wheat Cents]

Phanton Ds and for that matter Phantom Ss seen on MS coins 9 some found in Mint sets) are usually below the MM and are totally seperated. y/n?

Got to have the right light, right angle, and (right imagination). Sorry just had to stick that in ...

Seriously they ARE there, and fairly pronounced.

But the light and angle are imperative. A straight on shot will not capture it.

[Wheat Cents]

P.S. if you own a 1999 Mint Set , you probaby own a 1999 Phantom D . Take a look at your 1999 Philly package.

[yellow1053]

thanks car, I did look at that resource, and only one lists D/D North, and that's not what this is. was my photoshopped picture of any help?
Wheat cents, you are right, angle and lighting is EVERYTHING! :)

[Brad]

P.S. if you own a 1999 Mint Set , you probaby own a 1999 Phantom D . Take a look at your 1999 Philly package.

That was great advice. I owned a Phantom D and didn't even know it.

[Wheat Cents]

That tip " If you own a 1999 Mint Set , you own a 1999 Phantom D" ... came down to me from - G.J. Lawson

[Pat]

P.S. if you own a 1999 Mint Set , you probaby own a 1999 Phantom D . Take a look at your 1999 Philly package.

Hey Wheaties.. If I owned two 1999 mint sets, would I have two phantoms?

[Wheat Cents]

That was great advice. I owned a Phantom D and didn't even know it.


Brad ...

Nice clear photo of your phantom D. It is not easy to photograph straight on. Did you free it from the mint pkg?

Not sure what they are going for ? This guy is probably not far off:

http://cgi.ebay.com/1999-PHANTOM-D-RARE-COIN-IN-VERY-HIGH-GRADE-UNOPENED_W0QQitemZ160202789091QQihZ006QQcategoryZ5 24QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD4VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1 638.m124

[Brad]

I think that is way too high. Phantom D's should be around $10 or less. The entire 1999 mint set is less than $30. I did not take the coin out of the mint packaging, I just tilted it.