1955 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-010

Description

Light spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and the upper wheat ears characterizes this 1955 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent DDR-010, a doubled die reverse on one of the most famous dates in Lincoln Cent collecting. Cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-3136 with die marriage DMR-023, the confirmed Stage B at mid die state reveals a progressive die gouge developing through the right wheat stalk at the last S of STATES, with the obverse also at mid die state. Early and late die states remain unconfirmed. While the 1955 date is most celebrated for its spectacular doubled die obverse (the DDO-001 that commands five-figure prices), this proof DDR-010 demonstrates that the 1955 production also yielded reverse doubling varieties. Proof Lincoln Wheat Cents from 1955 were struck at Philadelphia with mirror-finish dies, and hub doubling on proof dies — while less common than on business strike dies — produced varieties that survive in the typically well-preserved condition of proof coins. The wheat ears on the reverse, designed for the 1909 debut and in their final years before the 1959 Memorial reverse replacement, provide delicate detail where doubled die spread is detectable. Struck on 95% copper at 19mm. Look for the light spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and upper wheat ears, checking mid die state specimens for the gouge through the right wheat at the last S of STATES.

Die Markers

• UVC-3136
• DMR-023
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die gouge through Right wheat at the last S of STATES – MDS
• Obverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References