1938 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

Cataloged as UVC-1407 with die marriage DMR-007, this 1938 Philadelphia Lincoln Wheat Cent features extreme extra thickness on all reverse lettering and wheat ears, with clear separation visible on the wheat stems. The intensity of the doubling across the entire reverse design makes DDR-001 among the most dramatic doubled die reverses in the Wheat Cent series for this date. A die crack develops over V.D.B. at the mid-die state, providing a useful die stage marker for collectors seeking to identify the progression of die deterioration. The extreme extra thickness with separation indicates strong hub doubling that shifted the design elements enough to create clearly doubled outlines rather than mere thickening. Philadelphia struck over 156 million Wheat Cents in 1938, a Depression-era output as the economy continued its recovery. The standard bronze composition of 95% copper with tin and zinc was used throughout this period. DDR-001's comprehensive doubling across lettering, wheat ears, and stems offers multiple attribution points visible under moderate magnification.

Die Markers

• UVC-1407
• DMR-007
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die clash Northeast through lower bar of E of ONE – MDS
• Die crack over V.D.B. – MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Delma K. Romines
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References