1961 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-024

Description

One of the most diagnostically rich doubled die reverse varieties in the entire 1961 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent series, WDDR-024 combines two distinct classes of hub doubling on a single die. A Class II tripled spread directed towards the center is visible on ONE CENT, the designer's initials FG, and on the left and right Memorial bases, while a separate doubled spread towards the center appears on USA, and slightly on E PLURIBUS UNUM and both of the cornices. The tripling on certain elements — indicating three discernible overlapping impressions — is accompanied by standard doubling on others, pointing to a complex hubbing sequence that produced at least three partially misregistered impressions on this working die. This die is further distinguished by an extensive suite of markers on both surfaces. On the obverse, a die gouge sits between the bottoms of the I and N of IN, and two parallel die scratches run from NW to SE through the hair at the top of the head. The reverse carries an exceptionally detailed set of diagnostics: a short vertical die scratch between the tops of the U and N of UNITED, a die gouge south of the E in UNITED, a short vertical die gouge to the right of the lower E in ONE, a die gouge dot at the top of the third Memorial bay, a die scratch running SW to NE at the top of the ninth Memorial bay, and a die scratch running SW to NE on the Memorial roof north of the eighth Memorial column. This wealth of markers across both faces makes WDDR-024 one of the most securely attributable entries in the 1961 Proof DDR sequence. Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1961 1¢ Pr WDDR-024, this variety merits special attention from collectors for its rare tripled-die characteristic and the sheer density of its authentication diagnostics.

Attribution History

• Discovered by William R. Hostutler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1961 1¢ Pr WDDR-024
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References