1956 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team and cataloged as Wexler Variety ID 1956 1-cent WDDO-006, this Lincoln Wheat Cent doubled die obverse is a proof issue, as indicated by the cross-reference designation. The WDDO-006 represents the sixth cataloged obverse doubled die for the 1956 date, placing it within a notable series of doubled die varieties known for this year. Proof Lincoln Wheat Cents were struck at the Philadelphia Mint using specially prepared dies and polished planchets, producing coins with mirror-like fields and frosted design elements — the higher striking pressure and more controlled production conditions used for proof coins can sometimes make doubled die features appear more sharply defined than on business strikes from the same era. The Lincoln Wheat Cent was designed by Victor David Brenner, whose obverse portrait of Abraham Lincoln debuted in 1909, paired with the Wheat Ears reverse that served from 1909 through 1958. Proof issues were struck in 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc composition, weighing 3.11 grams at 19.05 mm diameter. The 1956 proof set saw production of approximately 669,000 sets, making individual proof coins from this year relatively available — yet doubled die varieties on proofs remain scarce, as they depend on the specific working die having received misaligned hub impressions. For attribution, collectors should compare their specimen against the Wexler reference images for WDDO-006, paying particular attention to the affected obverse inscriptions and design elements where the doubling manifests. The combination of proof surface quality and doubled die features makes these varieties particularly attractive display pieces when the mirror fields highlight the separation between primary and secondary design impressions.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kevin Flynn Cross References: CONECA: PR-7-O-II-C+VI
• CONECA: PR-7-O-II-C+VI; Wexler Variety ID: 1956 1¢ Pr WDDO-006
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References