1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-015
Error
Description
The second of several 1962 Lincoln Memorial Cent doubled die obverse varieties to manifest as a doubled eyelid on Lincoln's portrait, WDDO-015 presents an extra eyelid visible below the normal eyelid — the same fundamental doubling feature seen on WDDO-011 and other eyelid-class varieties in the series, though produced by a separate die with its own unique set of identifying markers. Distinguishing WDDO-015 from its eyelid-doubled siblings requires close attention to the die-specific diagnostics rather than the doubling itself. The obverse carries a strong die scratch running north-south to the southeast of Lincoln's chin, a prominent feature that occupies a conspicuous area of the portrait and serves as the primary visual fingerprint for this particular die. Numerous additional die scratches, oriented predominantly north-south, appear to the left and right of the bust, creating a characteristic pattern of parallel linear marks that likely resulted from die maintenance procedures such as polishing or lapping performed during the die's working life. The reverse lacks significant distinguishing die markers, which means the obverse scratch pattern — and particularly the strong chin-area scratch — bears the primary burden of attribution. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a business-strike cent during 1962, the final year of the original 95% copper composition, WDDO-015 entered general circulation where wear progressively obscured both the fine doubled eyelid and the die scratches. Collectors seeking this variety should examine Lincoln's eye area at 10x magnification or higher on specimens grading at least Fine, where the delicate eyelid detail has the best chance of surviving.
Die Markers
- Obverse: A strong die scratch that runs N/S can be found to the SE of the chin. Numerous other die scratches running mostly N/S can be seen to the left of and to the right of the bust. Reverse: None significant.
Attribution History
- Discovered by Wexler Team