1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-028

Description

Bearing one of the strongest Class V spreads among the 1962 proof Lincoln Memorial Cent doubled die obverse varieties, WDDO-028 displays a clockwise pivoted hub doubling from a pivot point at approximately 10 o'clock, with the resulting displacement clearly visible on the date numerals and the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST. In the Wexler system, Class V designates a rotational hub displacement around an off-center pivot, and the strong intensity rating indicates that the secondary impressions are well separated from the primary devices — readily discernible under moderate magnification on the high-contrast proof surface. With the pivot near 10 o'clock, design elements in the lower-right quadrant of the obverse experienced the greatest angular displacement, explaining the prominence of the doubling on the date and TRUST, both of which occupy zones far from the pivot axis. The variety carries the Wexler Variety ID 1962 1c Pr WDDO-028, with no other cross-references currently known. It was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the 1962 proof production of 3,218,019 sets, the last proof Lincoln cents to use the original 95% copper alloy. Obverse die markers include a small die gouge positioned left of the lower first T in TRUST and a die gouge on Lincoln's neck south of the ear. No significant reverse die markers have been noted. Proof surfaces both aid and complicate examination of pivoted doubling — the mirror fields provide superb contrast for resolving secondary images, but the reflectivity can introduce distracting optical effects that less experienced collectors might misinterpret.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Ribar Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1962 1¢ Pr WDDO-028
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References