1926-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

An extra eyelid visible just below Lincoln's normal eyelid gives this 1926-S Lincoln Wheat Cent its distinctive doubled die obverse character — a subtle but diagnostically significant displacement where hub doubling created a secondary impression of the eyelid slightly lower than the original. Designated WDDO-001 by the Wexler Team, this is the primary doubled die obverse cataloged for the 1926 San Francisco cent. A die clash mark to the right of Lincoln's throat serves as an obverse die marker, indicating this die also experienced at least one unprotected contact with the reverse die. The reverse die markers remain undetermined, as only a low-grade specimen has been examined — a higher-grade example is needed to identify additional diagnostics. Eyelid doubling on Lincoln Cents is particularly valued by variety collectors because it affects the portrait's most expressive feature, creating a visible anomaly on the face that has appeared on every Lincoln Cent since Victor David Brenner's design debuted in 1909. The 1926-S had a mintage of approximately 4.5 million pieces, relatively modest for the Wheat Cent series, making varieties from this date-mint combination less commonly encountered. Struck on 95% copper composition at 19mm. Examine Lincoln's eye area carefully for the secondary eyelid impression below the normal lid.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Cliff Reuter Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1926-S 1¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References