1960 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004
Error
Description
Presenting a close Class II spread towards the center on the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST, WDDO-004 on the 1960 Lincoln Memorial Cent Proof Large Date confines its visible doubling to the motto area of the obverse. The centerward displacement — where the secondary hub impression shifted slightly inward relative to the primary — is subtle enough that collectors must isolate the individual letters of IGWT under magnification to detect the secondary outline along the inner edges of each character. This focused scope of doubling contrasts with the broad, multi-element involvement seen on varieties like WDDO-003 in this series, illustrating the wide spectrum of hub misalignment severity documented across the 1960 proof cent production. The obverse confirms a Large Date hub, placing this die in the earlier proof production phase at Philadelphia before the mid-year transition to the Small Date design. No significant die markers were identified on either the obverse or reverse, meaning attribution relies primarily on detecting the Class II centerward spread on IGWT and confirming the Large Date hub type through the date numeral proportions. Proof die life of approximately 3,000 impressions limits the population, and the mirror-like proof fields can actually assist detection by providing enhanced contrast against the displaced motto letters.
Die Markers
- Obverse: Large Date. None significant. Reverse: None significant.
Attribution History
- Discovered by Wexler Team