1959 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-009

Description

Cataloged by CONECA as 2-R-II+VI, this proof doubled die reverse combines a Class II spread towards the center with a Class VI distortion, producing a complex doubling pattern across the 1959 Memorial cent reverse. Extra thickness and a notable spread towards the center appear on USA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE CENT, the designer's initials, and both sides of the lower Memorial. The Wexler designation is 1959 1c Pr WDDR-009. The multi-class doubling makes this one of the more desirable proof varieties from the Memorial cent's debut year, as compound hub doubling events are less common than single-class occurrences. On the reverse, die markers include a die gouge appearing as a dot on the lower left E of AMERICA, a die scratch running SW from the center left of the R of AMERICA, and die gouges extending from the rim above the 2nd A and upper left C of AMERICA. No significant obverse die markers have been noted. The breadth of affected design elements across both inscriptions and architectural features makes this variety relatively straightforward to authenticate once located.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Long die scratch extending north from left side of large center semicircular window; slanted die scratch to right of small right window; short vertical die scratch above right arch.

External References