1909 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-019

Description

Nineteenth doubled die reverse attributed by the Wexler Team for the inaugural year of the Lincoln Wheat Cent, WDDR-019 shows extra thickness spread towards the center on the letters of EPU (E PLURIBUS UNUM abbreviation elements), the dots separating the motto words, and both wheat ears — a reverse doubling pattern that extends across multiple design categories from text to decorative elements. Die markers include obverse features: a short vertical die gouge midway between WE and TRUST and a die gouge (dot) between the G and O in GOD, with no significant reverse markers noted beyond the doubling itself. Cross-referenced under Wexler Variety ID: 1909 1-cent WDDR-019 with no additional known cross-references. The 1909 Lincoln Cent holds an unparalleled position in American numismatics as the first year of Victor David Brenner's design — the coin that introduced Lincoln's portrait as the first real historical figure depicted on a regular-issue U.S. coin. The "extra thickness towards center" spread direction indicates the secondary hub impression shifted inward toward the coin's center, adding material to the center-facing sides of the affected design elements. Nineteen documented doubled die reverses for the 1909 date reflects both the significance collectors attach to first-year-of-issue varieties and the thorough examination these coins receive. The wheat ears doubling is particularly noteworthy because it affects the primary reverse design element — Brenner's wheat stalks that defined the reverse type for the next forty-nine years — and the simultaneous doubling on EPU, dots, and wheat ears indicates a comprehensive hub displacement that affected the entire reverse die face during manufacture.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Daniel Griffin Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1909 1¢ WDDR-019
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References