1955 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-010

Description

Not to be confused with the famous 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO-001) — one of the most celebrated error coins in American numismatics — this WDDO-010 is a distinct and far subtler variety on a proof striking. The spread towards the center affects LIBERTY and IGWT (IN GOD WE TRUST), with the centripetal displacement producing broadened letterforms rather than the dramatic separation seen on the legendary DDO-001. A short die scratch extends south from the rim to the right of the E in WE, serving as the primary obverse die marker for attribution. No significant reverse die markers have been documented. This Wexler Team attribution carries the cross-reference "1955 1-cent Pr WDDO-010," with the "Pr" designation confirming its proof status — struck at the Philadelphia Mint with polished dies and planchets. Victor David Brenner's Lincoln portrait appears on this bronze composition proof — 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc — at 3.11 grams. The 1955 proof cent is among the final Wheat Cent proofs, with the reverse design transitioning to Frank Gasparro's Lincoln Memorial in 1959. Examine LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST for centripetal spread, and verify the die scratch south from the rim near E in WE.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Robert Lawson Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1955 1¢ Pr WDDO-010
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References