1963 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Displaying a counterclockwise spread visible on the letters LIBE in LIBERTY and on the date numerals, the 1963 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-003 is one of the earlier proof-specific DDO varieties cataloged for this date. The counterclockwise spread pattern indicates that the working hub rotated slightly counterclockwise between successive hubbing impressions, creating a secondary image that is offset in a consistent direction across the affected design elements. The spread on LIBERTY and the date places the most visible doubling on letters and numerals that offer thin vertical and diagonal strokes ideal for revealing even minor displacement under magnification. No significant die markers have been recorded on either the obverse or the reverse of this die, making the doubling characteristics themselves the primary attribution tool. As a proof striking, WDDO-003 was produced from chrome-plated dies that generated mirror fields on specially prepared planchets struck at higher pressure than business-strike operations. This elevated striking pressure forces the copper alloy into every recess of the die more completely, which can render secondary hub images more visible than they would appear on softer business-strike surfaces. The 1963 proof production of 3,075,645 Lincoln cents consumed die pairs at a rate of approximately 3,000 impressions per pair, limiting the population of any individual proof DDO variety. The coin was struck on a 95% copper and 5% zinc planchet and features the Brenner-Gasparro design pairing used throughout the Lincoln Memorial cent era.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None significant. Reverse: None significant.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References