1937 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team and cross-referenced as CONECA 4-O-II-C+VI, the 1937 Lincoln Wheat Cent WDDO-001 presents a compelling multi-class doubled die combining Class II (Distorted Hub) and Class VI (Distended Hub) characteristics. Extra thickness is visible on the date and LIBERTY, while a medium spread toward the center appears on IN GOD WE TRUST — indicating that the hub displacement pushed the secondary impression inward relative to the primary, creating convergent doubling on the motto. Obverse die markers are detailed and numerous: a die gouge appearing as a dot above the 19 in the date, east-southeast to west-northwest die scratches running through the hair below WE, a die chip present in the hair under the E of WE, and a die gouge dot between the I and N in IN. Reverse markers include a die chip on the third inside wheat line near the top of the right wheat ear. These multi-point die markers provide a reliable fingerprint for confirming this specific working die beyond the doubling characteristics alone. The Lincoln Wheat Cent was designed by Victor David Brenner, with his VDB initials restored to the coin in 1918 after being removed briefly in 1909 due to public controversy over their prominence. The 1937 issue was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 95% copper (with 5% tin and zinc) weighing 3.11 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter. As the primary catalog entry (WDDO-001) for the 1937 date, this variety holds the first position in the Wexler listing, typically reserved for the most significant or earliest-documented doubled die for that date-mint combination. The combination of two doubling classes on a single die reflects a complex hubbing event where the hub experienced both distortion and distension during the impression process.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Whaden Curtis Cross References: CONECA: 4-O-II-C+VI
• CONECA: 4-O-II-C+VI; Wexler Variety ID: 1937 1¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References