1921-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Class VI extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM, the separator dots, and both wheat stems characterizes this 1921 San Francisco Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent — the first and primary doubled die reverse documented for this date and mint combination. Attributed by the Wexler Team under Wexler Variety ID 1921-S 1c WDDR-001 and cross-referenced as CONECA 1-R-VI, the Class VI designation indicates distorted die doubling where the design elements appear thickened rather than showing a clearly separated secondary image. Class VI doubling occurs through die deterioration or distortion mechanisms distinct from the hub alignment errors that produce Classes I through V, and the resulting "extra thickness" is sometimes subtle and requires careful comparison against normal specimens. Obverse die markers include numerous die scratches running through the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST in a mostly west-to-east direction, while no significant reverse die markers were detected. The 1921-S Lincoln Cent was struck at the San Francisco Mint during the post-World War I era, with a mintage of approximately 15.3 million pieces — a relatively modest figure that makes the 1921-S a semi-key date in the Wheat Cent series. The CONECA cross-reference confirms independent verification of this variety by the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America, adding institutional credibility to the Wexler Team's attribution.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Whaden Curtis Cross References: CONECA: 1-R-VI
• CONECA: 1-R-VI; Wexler Variety ID: 1921-S 1¢ WDDR-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References