1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-054

Description

Exhibiting a clockwise spread concentrated on the inscription zone above Lincoln's portrait, the 1962 Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-054 shows its defining doubled die obverse characteristic on the D in GOD and the W in WE, where the secondary impression shifts in a clockwise direction relative to the primary device. This CW spread pattern indicates that the working hub underwent a slight rotational displacement during the die-making process, with the affected letters situated in a region of the obverse where that rotation projected a visible secondary outline. The doubling on GOD and WE is particularly diagnostic because these two words sit in close proximity near the upper-left quadrant of the obverse, and their shared spread direction confirms a single mechanical event rather than incidental die deterioration. Obverse die markers include numerous north-south die scratches distributed throughout the obverse field, creating a distinctive pattern of fine parallel lines that can serve as a preliminary screening tool before the collector undertakes detailed examination of the doubling itself. On the reverse, a small die gouge appearing as a dot sits between the lower portions of the A and M in AMERICA, and a second dot-like die gouge occupies the space between the lower E and R in AMERICA. These paired reverse gouges in the AMERICA inscription provide a convenient two-point confirmation system accessible from the coin's back side. This variety was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a regular business-strike issue during 1962, the final year of the original 95% copper, 5% tin-and-zinc alloy composition that had been in continuous use since Victor David Brenner's obverse design debuted in 1909.

Die Markers

• Obverse : Numerous die scratches run mostly from north to south throughout the obverse. Reverse: A small die gouge (dot) can be found between the lower A and M in AMERICA. A small die gouge (dot) can be found between the lower E and R in AMERICA.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References