1961 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-013
Error
Description
The thirteenth and final documented doubled die obverse in the 1961 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent series, WDDO-013 presents a close spread directed towards the center on the date and the inscription WE TRUST. The centripetal displacement — inward rather than outward — classifies this as a Class II distorted hub doubling event, and the involvement of both the date and the partial motto provides two examination zones on opposite sides of Lincoln's portrait. This die is particularly well documented with respect to die markers on both surfaces. On the obverse, a short vertical die gouge can be found just to the right of the center of the E in WE, offering a precise reference point within the doubling zone itself. Additionally, parallel die scratches run from SSW to NNE near the bottom of the center fold in the coat, providing a second obverse diagnostic located on the portrait's clothing detail rather than the inscriptions. The reverse carries several die scratches running from NNW to SSE through the left base of the Memorial, the left post, and the left side of the steps — a cluster of related scratches traversing multiple architectural elements on the left portion of Gasparro's Memorial design. This combination of obverse and reverse markers gives collectors a robust three-point authentication system: the E-in-WE gouge, the coat-fold scratches, and the left-Memorial scratch cluster. As the final entry in the 1961 DDO sequence, WDDO-013 caps a thirteen-variety family that documents the frequency of obverse hubbing anomalies on Proof dies prepared for the 1961 cent production run at Philadelphia.
Die Markers
- Obverse: A short, vertical die gouge can be found just to the right of the center of the E in WE. Parallel die scratches run from SSW to NNE near the bottom of the center fold in the coat. Reverse: Several die scratches run from NNW to SSE through the left base of the Memorial, the left post, and the left side of the steps.
Attribution History
- Discovered by Wexler Team