1943-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-015

Description

On the 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Cent, WDDO-015 is a doubled die obverse variety struck on the zinc-coated steel planchets used for all 1943 cents due to the wartime copper shortage. The 1943 steel cent composition — a zinc-coated steel planchet — was a one-year emergency measure during World War II, making any die variety from this year significant as it documents the variety-production process on this unique wartime substrate. Collectors should note that the zinc coating can obscure fine die details on heavily circulated specimens, and well-preserved examples may be needed to confirm the doubled die characteristics and die markers. The steel composition also means these cents are magnetic, providing an instant authenticity check before proceeding with variety attribution under magnification. Reverse: Die Markers: Obverse: Several die dots are present to the east of the D in GOD. Two horizontal die gouges are present just north of the 3. Arching die crack with a die chip present at the base of the bust, running east to west. Reverse: Die crack running SSW from the O of ONE to the E of CENT. Die scratch running southwest from the T in CENT. Die scratch running southwest through the second T and A in STATES.

Attribution History

• s:; Wexler Variety ID: 1943-S 1¢ WDDO-015
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References