1938 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista with die marker codes UVC-1408 and DMR-008, this second doubled die reverse for the 1938 Lincoln Wheat Cent displays extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM, the dots flanking the wheat stalks, the wheat ears themselves, and the stems — a comprehensive spread affecting multiple reverse design elements. The 1938 cent marks a transitional moment in the series: it was among the last Lincoln cents struck before the United States entered World War II, and production volumes remained relatively modest compared to the wartime surge that would begin in the early 1940s. Three die stages are documented: Stage A represents Early Die State, unconfirmed. Stage B places the reverse in Mid Die State with a die scratch from the upper O to D of GOD serving as the stage-defining marker. Stage C corresponds to Late Die State, also unconfirmed. The 1938 cent was struck in bronze alloy (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) at 3.11 grams and 19.05 mm diameter, with Victor David Brenner's Lincoln portrait on the obverse and the wheat stalk reverse that had defined the denomination since 1909. Extra thickness on multiple reverse elements — inscriptions, decorative dots, and botanical features — indicates the hub displacement affected a broad area of the reverse die, producing a comprehensive but moderate doubling effect that is best appreciated under 5x to 10x magnification with oblique lighting.

Die Markers

• UVC-1408
• DMR-008
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse is MDS
• Die scratch from upper O to D of GOD – MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

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

External References