1955 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-008

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1955 1-cent Proof WDDR-008 and first reported by Delma K. Romines, this proof Lincoln Wheat Cent doubled die reverse displays a counterclockwise (CCW) spread from a pivot point at approximately six o'clock on the die face. The pivoted rotation shows on E PLURIBUS UNUM, both dots flanking ONE CENT, the entire right wheat ear and stem, and the upper left wheat ear — with the spread magnitude increasing with distance from the six o'clock pivot, meaning the uppermost affected elements (the EPU motto at the top of the reverse) show the strongest displacement while elements closer to the bottom exhibit minimal offset. No other cross-references beyond the Wexler designation are known. Obverse die markers include a slightly diagonal die scratch running through Lincoln's upper ear. The reverse carries two markers: a small die gouge on the upper right O in ONE, and a short vertical die gouge between the O in ONE and the upper left of the E in CENT. As a proof issue (designated "Pr" in the Wexler catalog), this variety occurs exclusively on coins struck on polished planchets with mirror-finish dies at the Philadelphia Mint. The 1955 proof cent was produced as part of annual proof sets in 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams at 19.05 mm diameter. The 1955 date holds special significance in the Lincoln Wheat Cent series as the year of the famous 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (WDDO-001), making all 1955 cent varieties of heightened collector interest. The CCW pivoted spread is best confirmed by comparing doubling strength at the top versus bottom of the reverse, with the EPU motto area showing the strongest displacement.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Albert B. Raddi Cross References: None known Comments: This variety was first reported by Delma K. Romines
• None known Comments: This variety was first reported by Delma K. Romines; Wexler Variety ID: 1955 1¢ Pr WDDR-008
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References