1963-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-017

Description

Among the more thoroughly documented varieties in the 1963-D Lincoln Memorial Cent doubled die roster, WDDO-017 is identified by a bar visible below the L of LIBERTY — a distinctive raised element that provides a quick initial screening point before the collector proceeds to full die marker verification. The variety has been recorded across two obverse die stages and two reverse die stages, offering collectors the opportunity to trace the die's progression from relatively fresh condition through advancing deterioration. Obverse Stage A, submitted by Brian Ribar, represents the earlier die state with the bar below L of LIBERTY clearly defined and the die in comparatively fresh condition with its initial complement of die markers. Obverse Stage B, submitted by Gene Nichols, documents the die at a later point in its service life, showing progressive changes in the marker profile as continued use altered the die surface. Reverse Stage A corresponds to the earlier pairing, while Reverse Stage B records the later reverse die state; the existence of two reverse stages may indicate a die marriage change during the obverse die's service life, or simply progressive deterioration of a single reverse die. Cross-references include Coppercoins 1963D-1DO-007 as recorded in the body of the original attribution. The variety carries the Wexler Variety ID 1963-D 1c WDDO-017 and was attributed by the Wexler Team. Multi-stage documentation of this quality is valuable because it allows collectors to determine where their individual specimen falls in the die's production sequence — an early-stage coin with sharp markers may command a premium among variety specialists, while a late-stage example with advanced die cracks can appeal to collectors interested in die deterioration. The Denver Mint's 1963 output of 1,774,020,400 cents meant that even a single die could strike tens of thousands of coins before retirement, making the stage progression a meaningful guide to relative scarcity within the variety. Die scratches run WNW/ESE through LIBERTY and the fields above and below. Die scratches run WNW/ESE through the date. Die scratches run WNW/ESE below the neck. Die scratches run WNW/ESE in front of Lincoln’s face. Stage B: Die scratches are still present but weaker. A die gouge can be found touching the left side of the upper E in LIBERTY. Reverse: Stage A: Light horizontal die scratches run through E PLURIBUS UNUM. Stage B: The die scratches are weaker. A vertical die chip is present on the left middle portion of column 1 and a small die chip is present on the left upper portion of column 2. A small die gouge (dot) is present right of the lower 12th column.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1963-D 1¢ WDDO-017
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References