1955 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-007

Description

Strong spread is visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM, the upper wheat ears, and the lower edges of OF AMERICA on this seventh documented doubled die reverse for the 1955 proof Lincoln Wheat Cent, attributed by VarietyVista. While the 1955 date is most famously associated with the dramatic 1955 Doubled Die Obverse — one of the most celebrated error coins in American numismatics — this reverse doubling variety demonstrates that hubbing anomalies affected multiple dies that year. Die markers cataloged under UVC-1855 and DMR-018 track three documented die states: Stage A (early die state) shows a light die scratch in the lower left wheat grains; Stage B (mid-die state) introduces a strong die scratch on the reverse rim at K-8 position; and Stage C represents late die state for both obverse and reverse. The progression from EDS through MDS to LDS documents the die's full working life, with accumulating wear signatures that help collectors identify which die state their specimen represents. As a proof issue, this coin was struck on specially prepared planchets using polished dies at the Philadelphia Mint, where proof production in 1955 totaled 378,200 sets. Doubled die reverses on proof coins carry particular significance because proof dies received extra care in preparation, yet the hubbing process could still introduce misalignment between impressions. The wheat ear spread and legend doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM require magnification to appreciate fully, distinguishing DDR-007 from the bold naked-eye doubling of the famous obverse variety.

Die Markers

• UVC-1855
• DMR-018
• Stage A:
• Light die scratch in lower left wheat grains – EDS
• Obverse is EDS
• Stage B:
• Strong die scratch on Reverse rim at K-8 – MDS
• Obverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• Reverse and Obverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Unknown
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References