1960 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-023
Error
Description
Displaying a very close counterclockwise spread limited to the letters of IN GOD, WDDO-023 on the 1960 Lincoln Memorial Cent Proof Small Date affects only the first two words of the motto. The counterclockwise rotational displacement — characteristic of Class III hub doubling — creates a secondary impression that trails clockwise from the primary on each affected letter, and on this variety only the I, N, G, O, and D show detectable evidence of the misalignment. This extremely narrow scope of involvement makes WDDO-023 one of the most challenging doubled die obverse varieties to confirm in the 1960 proof cent catalog, as the doubling zone encompasses just five letters rather than spanning the full motto or legend. The Small Date hub designation is confirmed by examining the date numeral proportions. No significant reverse die markers have been recorded, leaving the counterclockwise spread itself as the primary diagnostic. The proof format means each specimen was struck on a specially prepared planchet using polished dies, and the approximately 3,000-impression proof die life limits the surviving population. Collectors should employ at least 16x magnification and compare the trailing edges of the IN GOD letters against a confirmed normal proof specimen to distinguish the genuine hub doubling from any artifacts of the polished die surface.
Die Markers
- Obverse: Small Date. Reverse: None significant.
Attribution History
- Discovered by Wexler Team