1960 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Representing the inverse combination of WDDO-001, this variety documents a Small Date hub impressed over a Large Date hub — the reverse sequence from WDDO-001's Large Date over Small Date. On WDDO-002, the Small Date hub was well centered over the Large Date, producing a strong spread to the west on the BER of LIBERTY, with some doubling also showing on the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST. Where WDDO-001 shows the traces of larger numerals beneath smaller ones, WDDO-002 preserves ghostly remnants of the Large Date design beneath the final Small Date impression, making the two varieties complementary studies in the Philadelphia Mint's 1960 hub transition. The westward spread on LIBERTY is pronounced enough to be visible under moderate magnification, and the contrast between the two hub types can sometimes be detected in the date area itself, where the differing proportions of the numerals leave subtle traces. This proof issue was struck on specially prepared planchets using polished dies, and the approximately 3,000-impression die life limits the surviving population. Collectors who acquire both WDDO-001 and WDDO-002 together hold a matched pair that documents both possible sequences of the 1960 hub transition — an appealing combination for exhibition sets.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Several die scratches run through the upper ear and the hair just above the ear. Reverse: A die scratch loops down from the bottom of the Memorial just to the left of the right post and then curves back up to the bottom of the Memorial above the right side of the T in CENT.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References