1944 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-021

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team, WDDO-021 of the 1944 Lincoln Wheat Cent documents extra thickness on the date and LIBERTY — a manifestation of hub doubling where the secondary image sits so close to the primary that the two merge into a visibly thickened impression rather than producing clearly separated doubled images. Cross-referenced as Coppercoins 1944P-1DO-022, this variety carries a secondary attribution that aids collectors working from multiple reference systems. The 1944 cent holds metallurgical interest as the first year of the shell-case copper alloy, composed of recycled brass cartridge cases from military ammunition during World War II. This wartime expedient gave 1944 cents a subtly different color compared to pre-war bronze and the 1943 zinc-coated steel cents. Extra thickness on the date numerals is often the most accessible diagnostic for this class of doubling, as the date's bold strokes amplify even modest displacement into a perceptibly heavier appearance compared to a normal strike. LIBERTY provides a secondary confirmation area where the same thickening may be observed under moderate magnification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Marvin L. Young Cross References: Coppercoins: 1944P-1DO-022
• Coppercoins: 1944P-1DO-022; Wexler Variety ID: 1944 1¢ WDDO-021
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References