1952-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Second in the Wexler-documented obverse doubled die census for the 1952-S Lincoln wheat cent, WDDO-002 presents a close spread directed toward the center on the date numerals — a subtle hub doubling pattern where the secondary impression converges slightly inward relative to the primary positioning. Victor David Brenner's Lincoln portrait, in its forty-third year of production by 1952, provided the obverse design context for this variety on a coin struck at San Francisco with a mintage of approximately 137.80 million cents. The obverse die markers are extensive: die scratches running predominantly in a north-northwest to south-southeast direction appear throughout the obverse surface, creating a distinctive die-specific fingerprint. The reverse carries similarly prominent diagnostics: numerous die scratches running primarily north-to-south traverse the reverse throughout its surface. These pervasive directional scratches on both obverse and reverse likely originated from the die preparation and finishing process, where files or polishing tools applied in consistent strokes left their marks on the die surfaces. The Wexler Team cataloged this variety under Wexler Variety ID: 1952-S 1¢ WDDO-002, with no cross-references from other attribution services currently known. Close spread toward the center is among the more challenging doubling classifications to detect, as the secondary impression converges with the primary rather than separating from it — on the date numerals, this produces a subtle thickening or distortion of the digit shapes that requires side-by-side comparison against confirmed normal examples. The wheat reverse, nearing its final years before retirement after 1958, provides the standard paired design. Collectors should first identify the directional die scratches on both surfaces to confirm the correct die, then examine the date under 20x magnification for the inward-directed close spread.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Marvin L. Young Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1952-S 1¢ WDDO-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References