1940 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-009

Description

Extreme extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM, the wheat ears, stems, and AMERICA distinguishes this ninth doubled die reverse for the 1940 Lincoln Wheat Cent as one of the stronger DDR varieties for the date. Cataloged in the VarietyVista system as UVC-1439 with DMR-004, this variety has three documented die states: Stage A in early die state (unconfirmed), Stage B showing the reverse in mid-die state with the obverse listed as DDO-002 also in MDS, and Stage C with both reverse and obverse in late die state. The die marriage with DDO-002 is particularly noteworthy — this reverse die was paired with a doubled die obverse, creating a coin that displays hub doubling on both sides. Collectors prize these DDO/DDR combination coins because they document a die pair where both the obverse and reverse working dies received imperfect hub impressions, multiplying the visual interest and rarity. The "extreme extra thickness" description indicates substantial doubling that manifests as noticeably thickened design elements rather than as clearly separated secondary images — a presentation consistent with very close spread where the two hub impressions are nearly superimposed. The 1940 Wheat Cent was struck during the first full year of World War II in Europe, though the United States had not yet entered the conflict. Philadelphia production continued at normal volumes using the standard bronze composition. The three-stage progression from EDS through LDS provides collectors with a complete die life documentation set, and the DDO-002 obverse pairing adds a dimension that elevates this variety above a standalone doubled die reverse.

Die Markers

• UVC-1439
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse is MDS
• Obverse is LISTED as DDO-002 – MDS
• Stage C:
• Reverse and Obverse are LDS

Attribution History

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

External References