1955 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-009

Description

Entirely distinct from the legendary 1955 DDO-001 — one of the most famous error coins in American numismatics — this DDO-009 is a proof-only variety exhibiting light spread on IN GOD, the first two words of the motto on Victor David Brenner's Lincoln portrait. Cataloged by VarietyVista, the light intensity positions this as a subtle variety requiring magnification, a stark contrast to the dramatic separation visible on the celebrated DDO-001. Die markers UVC-1848 and DMR-011 identify the working die through three documented stages: Stage A in early die state (unconfirmed), Stage B in mid-die state (unconfirmed), and Stage C in late die state featuring large rust spots in the upper portions of R and S in TRUST, with the reverse also in late die state. The Stage C rust spots provide a powerful late-state diagnostic — these pitted areas in the die transferred as raised bumps on struck coins and developed only after extended die use. As a proof striking from the Philadelphia Mint, this coin was produced on polished planchets with polished dies in bronze composition — 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc — at 3.11 grams. The 1955 proof cent is among the final Wheat Cent proofs before the 1959 reverse transition. Examine IN GOD for the light spread, and on late-die-state specimens, look for raised rust spots in R and S of TRUST.

Die Markers

• UVC-1848
• DMR-011
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Large rust spots in upper R and S of TRUST – LDS
• Reverse is LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References