1956-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-024

Description

Working die longevity in the mid-1950s Mint environment was governed by factors including die steel hardness, striking pressure, planchet composition, and the rate of production. When a die wore beyond acceptable tolerances or developed cracks, it was pulled from service and replaced with a freshly sunk die — another hub-to-die transfer that carried its own potential for misalignment. The frequency of die replacement across Denver's billion-coin 1956 production run meant that hundreds of new dies entered service throughout the year, each one a candidate for hub doubling. WDDO-024 documents the twenty-fourth such obverse variety confirmed for the 1956-D Lincoln Wheat Cent. The bronze alloy used for standard-composition cents (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) produces a surface that, under magnification, can reveal fine doubling with good contrast when the specimen retains original mint luster or light toning. Cataloged under Wexler Variety ID 1956-D 1¢ WDDO-024.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1956-D 1¢ WDDO-024
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References