1962 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-037

Description

Pairing a strong primary spread with a subtler secondary spread across two obverse inscription zones, the 1962 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-037 displays a strong Class II displacement directed toward the rim on the date alongside a close spread on IN GOD WE TRUST. This intensity gradient — bold on the date, subtle on the motto — creates a distinctive dual-zone diagnostic profile that aids attribution by providing two physically separated verification points at different doubling strengths. Class II designates distorted hub doubling in the Wexler system, where the secondary impression was expanded or compressed relative to the primary image, and the variation in apparent intensity between the date and the motto reflects the geometry of the distortion as it projected across different regions of the die face. On proof surfaces produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the strong date doubling is readily apparent under standard 10x magnification, while resolving the closer motto spread demands higher magnification and more carefully controlled lighting to separate the secondary outlines from the mirror-field reflections. Obverse die markers include a die gouge left of the upper O in GOD. On the reverse, a die gouge appears below the left of the L in PLURIBUS, and a short die gouge sits above the E in CENT. These reverse markers provide a practical pre-screening sequence — checking the PLURIBUS and CENT areas at low magnification to confirm the die identity before undertaking the more demanding obverse examination. This entry is the proof-specific record for WDDO-037, filed separately from its non-proof counterpart. It was struck during the 1962 proof production of 3,218,019 sets, with each die serving approximately 3,000 impressions before retirement. The 1962 date holds special status as the last proof Lincoln cent in the original 95% copper alloy.

Die Markers

• Obverse: A die gouge can be found to the left of the upper O in GOD. Reverse: A die gouge can be found below the left side of the L in PLURIBUS. A short, nearly vertical die gouge can be found above the E in CENT.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References