1897 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

An attribution notable for its absence from every other major variety catalog, the 1897 Indian Head Cent WDDO-001 exhibits a Class V spread from a pivot point at approximately 11 o'clock, affecting UNITED, AMERICA, LIBERTY, the ribbon, hair detail, and designer's initial L (for James B. Longacre). Class V doubling results from the hub rotating slightly during die impression, creating a curved displacement pattern where elements farther from the pivot show progressively greater separation. The pivot at 11 o'clock means elements in the lower right quadrant experienced the widest spread. Despite the broad area affected, this variety is not listed by Snow, CONECA, the Cherrypickers' Guide, Flynn's Indianvarieties.com, or The F.IND.ERS Report. This conspicuous absence from five independent attribution references makes WDDO-001 an unusual entry in the Wexler catalog, suggesting either very recent discovery, extremely limited surviving population, or diagnostics that other attributors considered below their listing thresholds. No die markers have been noted on either side. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in bronze — 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc — at 3.11 grams. Examine UNITED, AMERICA, LIBERTY, the ribbon, hair, and L for the rotational Class V spread pivoting from 11 o'clock.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Not noted Cross References: None known Comments: This variety is not listed by Snow, CONECA, Cherrypickers, Flynn (Indianvarieties.com), or The F.IND.ERS Report. If anyone knows who submitted this variety, I would like to hear from them.
• None known Comments: This variety is not listed by Snow, CONECA, Cherrypickers, Flynn (Indianvarieties.com), or The F.IND.ERS Report. If anyone knows who submitted this variety, I would like to hear from them.; Wexler Variety ID: 1897 1¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References