1943-S Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003

Description

Struck on zinc-coated steel planchets mandated during World War II, this 1943-S Lincoln Wheat Cent DDR-003 is cataloged by VarietyVista under UVC-1606 and DMR-017. Reverse doubling manifests as extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM, the separating dots, both wheat ears, and upper edges of ONE — widespread hub doubling affecting multiple design elements. Three die states: Stage A shows die scratches from the left wheat tip through PL of PLURIBUS at EDS. Stage B develops die cracks from left wheat lines to rim, from upper right wheat grains to rim, and over VDB at MDS. Stage C is LDS but unconfirmed. The 1943 steel cent is among the most recognizable compositions in American numismatics — copper was diverted to the war effort, and the Mint used low-carbon steel coated with zinc. San Francisco's 1943 output contributed to enormous wartime production, and the unfamiliar steel composition presented different die-wear characteristics that may have contributed to doubled die formation.

Die Markers

• UVC-1606
• DMR-017
• Stage A:
• Die scratches from Left wheat tip through PL of PLURIBUS – EDS
• Obverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Die crack from Left wheat lines to rim – MDS
• Die crack from upper Right wheat grains to rim
• Die crack over V. D. B. – MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

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

External References