1943-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-010

Description

Struck on a zinc-coated steel planchet during the wartime copper conservation effort, this 1943 Denver Lincoln Wheat Cent is cataloged by VarietyVista as DDO-010 with reference codes UVC-1589 and DMR-039. The obverse shows light spread on LIBER of LIBERTY and IN, indicating hub doubling concentrated on the left portion of the legend. Die stage analysis identifies Stage A in early die state with a die chip on the bust east of V.D.B., while the reverse is also in early die state. Stages B and C at mid-die state and late die state remain unconfirmed. V.D.B. refers to Victor David Brenner, the designer of the Lincoln Cent. The 1943 steel cents are among the most distinctive coins in American numismatics, produced because copper was needed for wartime ammunition shell casings. Finding a doubled die variety on these unusual steel planchets adds an extra layer of collectibility for error and variety specialists.

Die Markers

• UVC-1589
• DMR-039
• Stage A:
• Die chip on bust East of V. D. B. – EDS
• Reverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by William McMurray
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References