1939 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002

Description

Designated UVC-1428 with die marriage DMR-012, this 1939 Philadelphia Lincoln Wheat Cent exhibits strong extra thickness with separation on the upper wheat ears, accompanied by a die crack over V.D.B. that serves as a diagnostic die stage marker. The separation on the upper wheat ears indicates hub doubling that displaced the design elements enough to create visible secondary outlines, rather than the subtle thickening found on weaker doubled die varieties. The die crack over V.D.B. at the base of the reverse documents progressive die deterioration and helps collectors distinguish specific die states within this variety. Philadelphia produced over 316 million Wheat Cents in 1939, a substantial increase over the previous year that reflected the strengthening economy. The bronze composition of 95% copper with tin and zinc was standard. DDR-002 is the second cataloged doubled die reverse for 1939, and its strong doubling on the wheat ears provides reliable attribution markers. The upper wheat ear area is a particularly effective location for detecting doubling, as the fine parallel lines of the wheat design amplify even moderate hub shifts into clearly visible secondary impressions.

Die Markers

• UVC-1428
• DMR-012
• Stage A:
• Reverse and Obverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• Reverse is MDS
• Die crack over V.D.B. – MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References