2013 Lincoln Cent Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
Complete 2013 Lincoln Shield cent error value guide. WDDO-001 doubled die worth $2–$250+. Broadstrikes $7–$15, off-centers up to $100+. Learn to spot worthless plating blisters and machine doubling.
Most 2013 Lincoln Shield cents are worth face value, but the WDDO-001 doubled die variety — with its characteristic fat LIBERTY lettering — can reach $250+ in top uncirculated grades.
- ★ WDDO-001 (best variety, fat LIBERTY + date): $2–$5 circulated; $75–$250+ at MS66+ RD
- ★ WDDO-008 (secondary variety, thick date digits): $1–$3 circulated; $40+ at MS66+ RD
- ★ Broadstrikes: $7–$15 | Off-center 50%+ with visible date: $50–$100+
- ★ Normal coins: face value in circulation; $0.20–$3 uncirculated; $3–$8 for S-mint proofs
⚠️ Over 80% of suspected 2013 errors are plating blisters or machine doubling — both worth face value only. The guide below shows exactly how to tell them apart.
2013 Lincoln Shield Cent Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of TODO and may vary with market conditions.
Over 80% of alleged 2013 cent errors are actually plating blisters, machine doubling, or die deterioration — none of which carry numismatic value.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like shearing) is NOT a Doubled Die and has zero premium.
Plating blisters and zinc rot are manufacturing defects of the copper-plated zinc composition, not valuable errors.
Professional authentication (PCGS/NGC) is recommended for high-value varieties, but grading costs ($40–$60+) may exceed the value of coins graded below MS66 RD.
Repunched Mintmarks (RPMs) are not possible on 2013 cents — the mintmark has been part of the master hub since the 1990s.
Only submit coins for third-party grading if they are MS66 RD or higher, or if they are confirmed rare varieties.
Over 6 billion 2013 Lincoln Shield cents rolled off presses in Philadelphia and Denver — yet hidden within that mountain of copper-plated zinc are genuine doubled die varieties worth $250 or more in top condition. The obstacle is the volatile zinc planchet itself: it creates a minefield of hollow blisters, zinc rot, and fake-looking doubling that fools even experienced collectors. This guide walks you through every real error, every confirmed variety, and every common trap. For baseline prices on normal examples, see our complete 2013 Lincoln cent value guide.
2013 Lincoln Cent: Specifications & Mintage
Error identification starts by knowing exactly what a correct 2013 cent looks like. Any deviation from these specifications is a potential error — or a trap.
| Attribute | Specification | Error Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 19.00 mm | Coins wider than 19mm may be broadstrikes. |
| Weight | 2.50 g (±0.10g) | Under 2.4g or over 2.6g warrants investigation. |
| Composition | 99.2% zinc core / 0.8% copper plating | Thin plating causes blisters and zinc rot — not errors. |
| Edge | Plain (no reeding) | Any reeding = wrong-planchet error. |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) | Philadelphia carries no "P." RPMs are impossible — mintmark is part of master hub since the 1990s. |
Mintage Figures
| Mint | Strike Type | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (no mint mark) | Business Strike | ~2.5–3.0 billion (est.) | Extremely common. |
| Denver (D) | Business Strike | 3,319,600,000 | Highest volume; increased die variety potential from high die turnover. |
| San Francisco (S) | Proof Deep Cameo | 1,274,505 | Proof Sets only. Higher quality control reduces error likelihood. |
ℹ️ Why Volume Matters
A specific die variety may appear on only 50,000–100,000 coins before the die is retired — less than 0.002% of total production. Targeted searching of early-die-state (EDS) batches is far more productive than checking random rolls. For normal coin values by grade, see our full 2013 Lincoln cent value page.
2013 Lincoln Cent: Quick Error Checks
Run through these six checks in order. The first three identify valuable errors; the last three are the most common traps. You will need a 10x or 20x loupe — a small coin magnifier available at any hobby shop for a few dollars.
Check 1: WDDO-001 — Fat LIBERTY and Expanded Date (Best Variety)
The word LIBERTY and all four digits of the date on the obverse (front). Specifically the letters E, R, T, and Y. Use 20x magnification.
Letters and digits appear noticeably fatter than on a normal coin — this is called Class VIII Extra Thickness doubling. Under 20x, look for tiny V-shaped notches (splits) on the top-left corners of E, R, T, and Y in LIBERTY. The date digits look expanded and bold. Then flip to the reverse and confirm: there should be a die crack on the top-left of the Shield and a large die chip just north of the letters "LU" in PLURIBUS. Both obverse AND reverse markers must match for positive attribution.
If the doubling looks like a flat shelf or step sheared off the side of a letter, that is Machine Doubling — worthless. If it spreads irregularly toward the rim, that is Die Deterioration — also worthless. True WDDO-001 doubling is rounded, convex, and adds thickness. Do not look for a second separated image — single-squeeze hub doubling produces extra thickness, not a split date like the famous 1955 DDO.
Check 2: DDR-001 — Distorted Designer Initials on the Reverse
Right side of the reverse. Focus on the tiny designer initials LB (Lyndall Bass, reverse designer) and JFM (Joseph Menna, sculptor), plus the lettering OF AMERICA. Use 20x magnification.
The LB and JFM initials look distorted and thickened — as if written with a bold marker instead of a fine point. AMERICA and OF show puffy lettering with reduced spacing between letters. This distortion is asymmetrical and concentrated on the right side of the reverse. Early die state markers: a light die crack on Lincoln's forehead (obverse) and a die gouge lower-left of the U in TRUST.
General die deterioration causes mushiness that spreads uniformly across the entire reverse on a worn die. The DDR-001 distortion is asymmetrical and concentrated on specific design elements on the right side — not random or uniform.
Check 3: WDDO-008 — Thick Date Digits with Notched "1"
The date (2013) and the phrase IN GOD WE TRUST on the obverse. Focus especially on the date digits and the numeral 1 in 2013. Use 20x magnification.
Strong extra thickness on the date digits with only light thickness on LIBERTY. Notches are visible on the numeral 1. Key distinction from WDDO-001: date doubling is stronger than LIBERTY doubling — it is the reverse distribution pattern.
Machine Doubling or Die Deterioration. A fat-looking date alone is not diagnostic — you must confirm notching on specific digits and verify the weaker LIBERTY doubling. Compare directly against WDDO-001 diagnostics to separate the two varieties.
Trap 1: Machine Doubling — The Shelf Test (NOT Valuable)
The date, mintmark, and any lettering showing apparent doubling anywhere on the coin.
The doubling looks flat and shelf-like — as if the side of the digit was sheared or chiseled off. It subtracts from the width of the primary letter rather than adding to it. Caused by a loose die bouncing during the strike. Found on millions of 2013 cents with zero numismatic premium.
The secondary image is flat with no roundness. True hub doubling (WDDO-001) creates a rounded, convex extra thickness that adds mass to the device. Machine Doubling subtracts — it makes the letter look thinner, not fatter.
Trap 2: Plating Blisters and Zinc Rot (NOT Valuable)
Any raised bump on the fields or near letters. Grey or black spots anywhere on the coin surface.
Gas trapped under the thin copper plating during striking creates hollow bubbles (plating blisters). When a bubble pops, the zinc underneath corrodes into grey or black crumbling material called zinc rot. Research indicates over 80% of alleged 2013 errors fall into this category.
Under 10x magnification: a plating blister has soft, rounded edges and looks hollow, like a bubble. A genuine die chip or die gouge is solid metal with sharp, angular edges. A bump with grey or black material exposed underneath is zinc rot — a corroded, damaged coin, not a valuable error.
Trap 3: Die Deterioration Doubling — The Orange Peel Test (NOT Valuable)
IN GOD WE TRUST and lettering near the rim. Also inspect the field between the rim and the devices for surface texture.
As the die wears out after hundreds of thousands of strikes against hard zinc planchets, the steel die face erodes. Letters look swollen and shadowy, and the field develops radial lines — a rough texture called the "orange peel" effect. The Shield design's low relief makes this especially prominent on 2013 cents.
True hub doubling (WDDO-001) shows specific notching patterns on letter serifs and is consistent and symmetrical. Die Deterioration Doubling (DDD) is irregular, spreads toward the rim in all directions, and the surrounding field shows that telltale orange-peel texture — the hallmark of a late-stage worn die.
2013 Lincoln Cent: Errors & Values at a Glance
Business Strike Values (Philadelphia & Denver)
| Error / Variety Type | Designation | Mint | Rarity | Value Range | Top Grade Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DDO WDDO-001 (Best Of) | WDDO-001 / VDDO-001 | P / D | Scarce | $2–$50 | $250+ (MS66+ RD) |
| DDO WDDO-008 | WDDO-008 | P / D | Uncommon | $1–$25 | $40+ (MS66+ RD) |
| DDR DDR-001 | VDDR-001 | P / D | Scarce | Data pending | — |
| Broadstrike | — | P / D | Uncommon | $7–$15 | — |
| Off-Center (10–30%) | — | P / D | Uncommon | $15–$35 | — |
| Off-Center 50%+ (date visible) | — | P / D | Scarce | $50–$100+ | — |
| Planchet Clip | — | All | Common | $2–$5 | — |
| Plating Blister / Zinc Rot | — | All | Extremely Common | Face value (damaged) | — |
| Machine Doubling | — | All | Extremely Common | Face value only | — |
| Die Deterioration Doubling | — | All | Very Common | Face value only | — |
San Francisco Proof Values (S-Mint)
The 2013-S was produced exclusively as a Deep Cameo Proof (mirror-like fields with frosted devices) for annual Proof Sets. Mintage was 1,274,505. Higher quality control at San Francisco significantly reduces the likelihood of striking errors. A non-Proof coin with an S mintmark is highly unusual and should be professionally examined — it may have an altered or counterfeit mintmark.
| Coin | Condition | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-S Proof Deep Cameo | Standard Proof (unimpaired) | $3–$8 |
| 2013-S Proof Deep Cameo | Impaired (handled, wear evidence) | $1–$3 |
2013 Lincoln Cent: Valuable Errors & Varieties In Depth
Below are the confirmed varieties and striking errors with market value. Each entry includes exactly what to look for under magnification, how to rule out false positives, and known value ranges derived from auction records and market data.
Normal 2013 cent LIBERTY (left) vs. WDDO-001 showing characteristic fat, notched lettering (right).
2013 WDDO-001 — Doubled Die Obverse (Best Of Variety)
Origin & Background
The WDDO-001 (also cataloged as VDDO-001 by VarietyVista) is the premier collectible variety of the 2013 date. It is produced by the Single-Squeeze Hubbing process: as the hub is pressed into the die, a slight tilt or misalignment at the point of contact causes the hub to drag across the die face before snapping into position. This dragging motion creates Class VIII (Tilted Hub) Doubling — not a second separate image, but an extra thickness and distortion on affected design elements. The result was first reported in numismatic press as the "Best Of" 2013 variety.
How to Identify
- Obverse (primary): Under 20x magnification, the letters E, R, T, and Y in LIBERTY show tiny V-shaped notches (splits) on their top-left serifs — the corners of the letter strokes. The date digits appear expanded and bolder than a normal coin.
- Do not look for a split date. This is not a 1955-style doubled die. Look for fat, slightly twisted letters, not a second image floating beside the first.
- Reverse confirmation markers (critical): Flip the coin and locate a die crack on the top-left of the Shield, and a large die chip just north of the letters "LU" in PLURIBUS. Both markers must be present to positively attribute this specific die pair as WDDO-001.
WDDO-001 reverse confirmation markers: die crack at Shield top-left (circle A) and die chip north of PLURIBUS (circle B).
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling creates a flat, shelf-like secondary image that subtracts from letter width — it looks like someone shaved the side of the digit with a chisel. Die Deterioration creates irregular shadowing spreading toward the rim with an orange-peel field texture. Both are common on millions of 2013 cents. WDDO-001 doubling is rounded and convex, adding visible mass to the devices.
Market Values
- Circulated (any grade): $2–$5
- MS60–MS64 RD: $10–$20
- MS65 RD: $30–$50
- MS66 RD: $75–$125
- MS67+ RD: $250+ (estimated; rare in this grade)
Auction Record
No single confirmed top-grade auction record is currently documented in available data. Values above MS66 RD are estimated from comparable modern doubled die market data. Attribution confirmed via Coin World reporting on the first 2013 DDO discovery.
2013 WDDO-008 — Doubled Die Obverse (Secondary Variety)
WDDO-008 close-up showing strong date thickness with notches on the numeral 1 in 2013.
Origin & Background
The WDDO-008 is a distinct die pair from WDDO-001, also produced by Class VIII tilted-hub doubling. It is overshadowed by WDDO-001 in the marketplace but remains a legitimate, collectible variety with its own diagnostic fingerprint.
How to Identify
- Date focus: The doubling is strongest on the four digits of 2013. Look for notches specifically on the numeral 1.
- Weak LIBERTY: The word LIBERTY shows only light extra thickness — significantly weaker than the date doubling. This opposite distribution is the key to distinguishing WDDO-008 from WDDO-001.
- TRUST lettering: Some extra thickness visible on IN GOD WE TRUST.
False Positives to Avoid
A fat-looking date alone is not diagnostic for WDDO-008. Machine Doubling can make the date appear shelf-like. Confirm by looking for the actual notching on the numeral 1 and the relatively weaker doubling on LIBERTY. Do not submit for attribution without both criteria confirmed.
Market Values
- Circulated: $1–$3
- MS64–MS65 RD: $5–$25
- MS66 RD: $40+
- MS67+ RD: Rare in grade; specialist market only
Auction Record
No confirmed top-grade auction record documented in current data for this specific variety.
2013 DDR-001 — Doubled Die Reverse
Normal LB/JFM designer initials (left) vs. DDR-001 showing distorted, bold-marker appearance (right).
Origin & Background
The DDR-001 (cataloged as 2013 VDDR-001 by VarietyVista) is a reverse doubled die created by the same Class VIII tilted-hub mechanism as the obverse varieties. The Shield design's low-relief geometry makes reverse doubling especially subtle and notoriously difficult to diagnose. Attribution requires 20x magnification and careful comparison against a normal example.
How to Identify
- Designer initials (primary marker): The tiny LB (Lyndall Bass) and JFM (Joseph Menna) initials on the reverse appear noticeably thicker and distorted — as if written with a bold marker rather than a fine engraver's tool. Compare side-by-side against a normal 2013 cent under 20x.
- Right-side lettering: AMERICA and OF show puffy lettering with reduced visible spacing between individual letters.
- Asymmetry is key: The distortion is concentrated on the right side of the reverse, not uniform across the entire design.
- Early die state markers: A light die crack on Lincoln's forehead (obverse) and a die gouge at the lower-left of the U in TRUST. These confirm EDS coins where the doubling is freshest and sharpest.
False Positives to Avoid
Late-stage die deterioration causes general mushiness across the entire reverse. DDR-001 distortion is asymmetrical and concentrated on specific elements on the right side. If the reverse mushiness is uniform and accompanied by orange-peel field texture, it is Die Deterioration Doubling — not DDR-001. Attribution source: VarietyVista 2013 DDR-001 page.
Market Values
Specific auction data for the 2013 DDR-001 is not yet documented in available sources. Consult PCGS CoinFacts or NGC Registry for current population and pricing data before purchasing or submitting.
2013 Broadstrike Error
Broadstrike 2013 cent (right) is visibly wider and thinner than a normal example (left), with a plain unrestrained edge.
Origin & Background
A broadstrike occurs when the retaining collar — the metal ring that surrounds the planchet during the strike and forms the coin's edge — fails to deploy or encircle the planchet. Without the collar, the metal flows outward uncontrollably, producing a coin that is wider and thinner than normal.
How to Identify
- Diameter exceeds 19mm — measure with calipers.
- Design is complete — all devices, legends, and date are present but spread outward.
- Edge is plain and unrestrained — no sign of collar engagement anywhere on the edge.
- Weight should still be approximately 2.50g since the same planchet was used.
False Positives to Avoid
A partial collar strike creates a raised ridge (called a "railroad rim") on part of the edge — this is a minor error, often sold deceptively as a broadstrike. A true broadstrike shows no collar restraint anywhere on the edge. Post-mint damage from being run over or hammered can also flatten and expand a coin, but will show distorted or smeared design elements — a genuine broadstrike retains sharp, complete design detail.
Market Values
- Standard broadstrike: $7–$15
2013 Off-Center Strike Error
2013 off-center cent showing approximately 40% misalignment with visible date — the combination that drives the highest premium.
Origin & Background
An off-center strike occurs when the planchet is not properly seated in the striking chamber when the dies come together. The result is a coin with part of the design missing, replaced by a crescent-shaped blank area where the planchet extended beyond the die face.
How to Identify & Grade
- Percentage off-center: Estimate how much of the design is missing. More dramatic = higher value. 50%+ is the most desirable.
- Date visibility: A 2013 date that is fully visible despite the misalignment commands a significant premium. Date missing = value drops substantially.
- The struck portion should show sharp, complete detail at the boundary with the unstruck area.
- The blank crescent area should be smooth and flat — not worn or corroded.
False Positives to Avoid
Heavily worn or damaged coins may appear to have missing design elements, but the "missing" areas will show wear or corrosion, not the smooth unstruck surface of a genuine off-center coin. Always verify the coin weighs approximately 2.50g — if it weighs significantly less, suspect post-mint alteration.
Market Values
- 10–30% off-center: $15–$35
- 50%+ off-center (date NOT visible): Lower end of range
- 50%+ off-center (date visible): $50–$100+
2013 Lincoln Cent: Common Traps & Worthless Lookalikes
These three phenomena fool collectors constantly. Recognizing them quickly will save you from overpaying — or from disappointment after getting excited about a coin that turned out to be worthless.
⚠️ Machine Doubling (MD) — The Most Common Fake-Out
The date, mintmark, or lettering appears doubled. Looks exciting at first glance, especially on the 2013 date digits.
The die is loose and bounces or chatters on impact. The secondary impression shifts sideways and downward, shearing the metal. Not a die error — a mechanical accident during striking that affects millions of coins.
- Secondary image is flat and shelf-like — it looks like a step down from the primary device, not a second rounded impression.
- The doubling subtracts from the width of the letter or digit — the coin looks sheared.
- True doubled dies (WDDO-001) add thickness. MD removes it.
Machine Doubling (left, flat shelf) vs. true hub doubling (right, rounded extra thickness).
Value: Face value only. Found on millions of 2013 cents.
⚠️ Plating Blisters & Zinc Rot — The "Zincoln" Effect
A raised bump on the coin's field or near a letter. Possibly a grey or black crumbling spot. Sometimes looks like a dot, secondary mintmark, or die chip.
The copper plating on 2013 cents is microscopically thin. Gas or contaminants trapped under the plating expand during the 35–40 ton strike, forming a hollow bubble (plating blister). When the bubble breaks, reactive zinc is exposed to air and moisture, corroding into grey-black material called zinc rot (hydro-zincite).
- Under 10x magnification: a plating blister has soft, rounded edges and looks hollow like a bubble.
- A genuine die chip or die gouge is solid metal with sharp, angular edges — it feels like part of the coin, not a balloon sitting on top.
- Grey or black crumbling material = zinc rot = a corroded, damaged coin (cull). Not a mint error. Note: Repunched Mintmarks (RPMs) are impossible on 2013 cents — the mintmark has been part of the master hub since the 1990s, so no secondary D can exist.
Plating blister (left, hollow dome with soft edges) vs. genuine die chip (right, solid metal with sharp edges).
Value: Face value (blister) or cull/damaged (zinc rot). Not collectible errors.
⚠️ Die Deterioration Doubling (DDD) — The Orange Peel Effect
Shadowy, swollen lettering on IN GOD WE TRUST or the date. The letters look blurry and seem to be spreading toward the rim.
After 250,000–500,000 strikes against hard zinc planchets, the steel die face erodes. Metal flows outward during each strike, gradually distorting the design. The Shield design's low relief makes DDD especially prominent on 2013 cents.
- The field between the rim and the devices shows radial flow lines — a rough, textured surface called the "orange peel" effect.
- The shadowing is irregular and spreads in all directions toward the rim — not concentrated on specific letter serifs.
- True WDDO-001 shows specific notching on E, R, T, Y serifs with a smooth field nearby.
Die Deterioration Doubling showing irregular letter shadowing and orange-peel field texture — not a doubled die.
Value: Face value only. Sign of a worn-out, late-stage die.
2013 Lincoln Cent: How Grade Affects Value
Grade — the numeric condition score assigned by third-party graders (TPGs) like PCGS and NGC — has a dramatic impact on 2013 cent values, especially for variety coins. Here is what the key grade thresholds mean in practice:
- Circulated (AG-3 to AU-58): Any visible wear on Lincoln's cheekbone or jaw. Normal coins: face value. WDDO-001: $2–$5.
- MS60–MS64 RD (Uncirculated, some marks): No wear but contact marks from bag storage. Normal: $0.20–$0.50. WDDO-001: $10–$20.
- MS65 RD (Gem Uncirculated): Strong luster, minimal marks. Normal: $1–$3. WDDO-001: $30–$50.
- MS66 RD (Superb Gem): The critical threshold for variety coins. Normal: $10+. WDDO-001: $75–$125.
- MS67+ RD (Top Population): Virtually flawless. Normal: $100+. WDDO-001: $250+ estimated.
MS64 cent (left, visible bag marks) vs. MS66 cent (right, clean surfaces and strong luster) — the grade jump that drives value.
⚠️ The Grading Economics Problem
Third-party grading at PCGS or NGC (including shipping, handling, and variety attribution) costs approximately $40–$60 per coin. A raw 2013 WDDO-001 in MS64 worth $15 will result in a net loss of $25–$35 after grading fees. Only submit if the coin appears to be MS66 RD or higher. For striking errors, submission is rarely financially viable unless the error is spectacular.
2013 Lincoln Cent: When & How to Get Authenticated
Professional authentication by PCGS (PCGS CoinFacts 2013-D reference) or NGC protects both buyers and sellers and is the standard for high-value transactions. Follow this decision tree:
Submit if ALL of the following are true:
- The coin appears to be MS66 RD or higher — virtually flawless surfaces, strong full red color, no spots.
- You have confirmed the WDDO-001 obverse doubling and the reverse die markers (die crack on Shield, die chip near PLURIBUS).
- The coin has passed the Zincoln Filter: no blisters, no grey spots, no zinc rot anywhere on the surface.
Do NOT submit if:
- The coin grades below MS65 RD — grading fees will exceed the certified value.
- The "error" is Machine Doubling, Die Deterioration, or a plating blister.
- You have not confirmed the specific die markers for WDDO-001 attribution.
S-Mint Anomaly Protocol
The 2013-S was produced exclusively as a Proof. A circulated coin or business-strike coin with an S mintmark is highly unusual. Have the mintmark examined by a professional before drawing conclusions — altered mintmarks are a known fraud. Reference: PCGS CoinFacts 2013-S Proof page.
Dealer referral information for 2013 Lincoln cent specialists is not available in the current data. Contact the American Numismatic Association (ANA) dealer network for variety specialist referrals.
2013 Lincoln Cent Errors: Frequently Asked Questions
Are any 2013 Lincoln cents made of silver or contain precious metals?
No. All 2013 business-strike cents are copper-plated zinc (99.2% zinc, 0.8% copper). They have no precious metal content and no melt value above face value. The silver Lincoln cent era ended in 1942.
Can a 2013 cent have a Repunched Mintmark (RPM)?
No. Since the 1990s, the mintmark has been incorporated directly into the master hub — it is not punched by hand onto individual dies. Therefore, a secondary or shifted mintmark image cannot exist on 2013 cents. Any bump near the D mintmark is almost certainly a plating blister.
My 2013 cent has doubling on the date — how do I know if it is valuable?
Check two things: (1) Is the doubling rounded and fat, or flat and shelf-like? Flat and shelf-like is Machine Doubling — worthless. (2) Does LIBERTY also look fat? WDDO-001 shows strong thickness on both LIBERTY and the date. Then confirm the reverse markers (die crack on Shield, die chip near PLURIBUS). If all match, you may have a genuine WDDO-001.
I see a bubble or bump on my 2013 cent — is that a valuable error?
Almost certainly not. Under 10x magnification, if the bump looks hollow with soft rounded edges, it is a plating blister caused by gas trapped under the thin copper plating during striking. If it has burst and shows grey or black material, that is zinc rot — a corroded coin. Research indicates over 80% of alleged 2013 cent errors are actually plating blisters or zinc rot. Both are manufacturing defects with no numismatic premium.
Should I clean my 2013 cent before getting it graded?
Absolutely not. Cleaning a coin — even with water and a soft cloth — permanently damages the luster and surface, reducing it to "Details" grade at PCGS or NGC. A cleaned coin is worth a fraction of an uncleaned example at the same technical grade. Store the coin in a 2x2 flip or airtight capsule and do not touch the surfaces.
What tools do I need to search for 2013 doubled die varieties?
A 10x loupe for initial triage (spotting obvious errors and filtering out blisters and machine doubling) and a 20x loupe or stereo microscope for final attribution (confirming the specific notching on LIBERTY serifs and locating the reverse die markers). Strong directional lighting — such as a coin microscope light or an LED pen light held at an angle — is equally important for revealing the subtle thickness of Class VIII doubling.
Is the 2013-S proof cent rare?
It is limited compared to business strikes but not rare by proof standards. Mintage was 1,274,505 — sold in annual Proof Sets. Standard value is $3–$8. Higher quality control at San Francisco makes errors uncommon on Proof coins. A non-Proof (business-strike appearance) coin with an S mintmark is highly unusual and should be professionally examined, as it may have an altered mintmark.
What does "MS66 RD" mean on a graded 2013 cent?
MS stands for Mint State (uncirculated, no wear). 66 is the numeric grade on the 70-point Sheldon scale — 66 means Superb Gem quality with only minor contact marks. RD (Red) means the coin retains at least 85% of its original copper-red color. For 2013 cents, MS66 RD is the critical threshold where variety premiums become financially significant — below that, grading fees typically exceed the value gained.
Sources & Methodology
This guide is based exclusively on the following primary sources. Auction records and values represent market data as reported in those sources; no values were estimated or invented.
- Coin World — First 2013 DDO discovery report (WDDO-001 attribution)
- VarietyVista — 2013 DDR-001 diagnostic page (James Wiles)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 2013-D Lincoln Cent (market data)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 2013-S Proof Lincoln Cent (specifications, mintage)
- Error-Ref.com — Plating Blisters reference
- Lincoln Cent Forum — Die Deterioration Doubling guide
- Lincoln Cent Resource — Machine Doubling diagnostic guide
- Coinappraiser.com — 2013-D mintage data (3,319,600,000)
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
