1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-005

Description

From a proof mintage of just 14,734 coins, this fifth Wexler doubled die reverse for the 1938 proof Lincoln Wheat Cent exhibits strong extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM, the wheat ears, and ONE, with notable separation toward center on the left wheat ear where the doubled image opens visibly between the wheat lines. Cross-referenced as CONECA PR-3-R-II-C+VI — where PR designates proof, R indicates reverse, Class II identifies distorted hub doubling, and C+VI denotes a combination with Class VI characteristics — and Wexler 1938 1c Pr WDDR-005, the variety carries detailed attribution codes from both major cataloging organizations. Die markers essential for attribution include the left die dot, which is no longer visible due to die polishing, and the right die dot, which appears weak for the same reason. The polishing that removed or weakened these die dots indicates the die surface was abraded during its working life, likely to correct surface defects, and the resulting absence or faintness of the dots serves as a diagnostic fingerprint. Proof wheat cents from 1938 were struck in extremely limited quantity, making any documented die variety from this issue inherently scarce.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Peter Beane Cross References: CONECA: PR-3-R-II-C+VI
• CONECA: PR-3-R-II-C+VI; Wexler Variety ID: 1938 1¢ Pr WDDR-005
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References