1940 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-014

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1940 1¢ WDDO-014, this Lincoln Wheat Cent displays very close doubling on WE and slight doubling on the zero in the date — a subtle but genuine doubled die obverse where the hub displacement was small enough that the secondary images nearly overlap the primary, producing a slightly thickened or fuzzy appearance on the affected design elements rather than clearly separated secondary images. Obverse die markers include a die gouge through the lower R in TRUST and through the upper first T in TRUST, along with light concentric die scratches near the rim between the D in GOD and W in WE and between the E in WE and R in TRUST. The reverse carries its own notable attribution: it is itself a doubled die listed as WDDR-024, making this a dual doubled die coin — a relatively uncommon situation where both the obverse and reverse working dies independently received misaligned hub impressions, doubling both sides of the struck coin. Reverse die markers include a die gouge to the right of the upper E in ONE and a die scratch running west-southwest to east-northeast to the left of the right wheat stem. No external cross-references beyond the Wexler system are currently known. The Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1940 in 95% copper composition weighing 3.11 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter. Victor David Brenner's portrait of Abraham Lincoln graces the obverse, while the wheat ears reverse design served the denomination from 1909 through 1958. The dual doubled die status — obverse WDDO-014 paired with reverse WDDR-024 — elevates this variety's interest significantly, as collectors can examine both sides of the coin for independently produced doubling effects, each with its own attribution markers and diagnostic features.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jennifer Casazza Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1940 1¢ WDDO-014
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References