1942-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003

Description

On the 1942 Denver Mint Lincoln wheat cent, the DDR-003 exhibits light southward spread on the CE of CENT, a modest but diagnostic displacement on the reverse legend. Cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-2969 and DMR-023, three die stages document this die's production history with particular interest at Stage B. Stage A represents early die state, unconfirmed. Stage B places the reverse at early-to-mid die state and introduces two notable markers: a die crack forming over V.D.B., the designer's initials between the wheat stems, and a die chip developing on that crack to the east of V.D.B. The progression from a simple crack to a crack with an attached die chip illustrates the die's deterioration in real time. Stage C advances to late die state, unconfirmed. Victor David Brenner's initials, positioned at the base of the reverse design, occupy a stress-prone area where cracks commonly develop as the die fatigues under repeated striking pressure. The light spread on CE provides the primary doubled die diagnostic, while the V.D.B. crack and chip serve as die stage markers that help collectors determine which point in the die's working life their specimen represents.

Die Markers

• UVC-2969
• DMR-023
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Reverse is EMDS
• Die crack over V.D.B. – EMDS
• Die chip on crack East of V.D.B.
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References