1955 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-005

Description

While the 1955 DDO-001 commands legendary status as one of numismatics' most famous error coins, DDO-005 on the 1955 proof Lincoln Wheat Cent is a distinct variety from a proof die — a fundamentally different production context from the business-strike DDO-001. Medium spread on the date provides visible doubling at moderate magnification on Victor David Brenner's obverse, concentrating displacement on the four-digit date at the lower right of the portrait. Die markers UVC-1844 and DMR-007 confirm the working die across three documented states: Stage A in Early Die State (unconfirmed), Stage B where both obverse and reverse reach Mid Die State, and Stage C where both surfaces display Late Die State characteristics with advanced wear. The confirmed MDS and LDS stages mean collectors can assemble a two-point die-state progression. As a proof struck at the Philadelphia Mint on polished planchets in bronze composition (95% copper), mirror-like fields provide excellent contrast for detecting the medium date spread. Examine the date under 5x to 7x magnification, where medium displacement produces clearly broadened numeral strokes against the reflective proof surface.

Die Markers

• UVC-1844
• DMR-007
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Obverse and Reverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Hugh T. Campbell
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References