1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-040

Description

Characterized by a strong Class II spread directed toward the rim, the 1962 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-040 displays bold distorted hub doubling on the date numerals and the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST. In the Wexler classification system, Class II denotes distorted hub doubling where the secondary impression underwent expansion or compression relative to the primary image, and the outward spread toward the rim pushes the secondary outlines away from the die's center, making them most visible on the outer edges of the affected devices. The "strong" intensity rating indicates that the displaced images are well separated from the primary design, rendering them accessible under standard magnification without requiring the exacting lighting conditions demanded by close or extremely close spreads. The variety carries the Wexler Variety ID 1962 1c Pr WDDO-040, with no other cross-references currently documented. Both the obverse and reverse exhibit early die state characteristics, and no significant die markers have been recorded on either side. The absence of distinctive die markers places additional diagnostic weight on the doubling characteristics themselves — specifically, the directionality and magnitude of the Class II spread across both the date and the motto must be carefully compared against reference images to confirm the attribution and distinguish WDDO-040 from neighboring proof varieties with similar spread profiles. This variety was struck at the Philadelphia Mint during 1962, when 3,218,019 proof sets were produced in the final year of the original 95% copper alloy, and the limited life of proof dies constrains the potential surviving population to roughly 3,000 specimens or fewer.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1962 1¢ Pr WDDO-040
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References