1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-037

Description

Another proof variety that underwent renumbering during the reorganization of the 1962 Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO catalog, WDDO-037 was formerly listed under a different designation before the identification of four different doubled working hubs necessitated a systematic reassignment. Under its current attribution, this variety exhibits a strong Class II spread directed toward the rim, most prominently visible on the date, with a closer secondary spread also discernible on the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST. The dual-zone involvement — strong on the date and close on the motto — provides a natural intensity gradient that aids attribution, since the contrast between bold date doubling and subtle motto doubling creates a distinctive diagnostic profile. Class II designates distorted hub doubling in the Wexler system, where the secondary impression underwent expansion or compression relative to the primary image. The variety carries the Wexler Variety ID 1962 1c Pr WDDO-037, and was struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the 1962 proof production run of 3,218,019 sets. Obverse die markers include a die gouge left of the upper O in GOD. On the reverse, a die gouge appears below and to the left of the L in PLURIBUS, and a short die gouge sits above the E in CENT. These reverse markers offer a practical screening sequence — checking the PLURIBUS and CENT areas at low magnification to confirm the die identity before proceeding to the more demanding examination of the obverse doubling. The 1962 proof issue holds special status as the last proof Lincoln cent struck in the original 95% copper alloy, lending compositional interest to the numismatic significance of the variety itself.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known Comments: This variety was formerly listed as
• None known Comments: This variety was formerly listed as; Wexler Variety ID: 1962 1¢ Pr WDDO-037
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References