1963 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-062

Description

Carrying the Proof prefix in its Wexler catalog designation, the 1963 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-062 is a doubled obverse die variety struck from the Philadelphia Mint's specialized proof press line. Proof dies at the Philadelphia Mint underwent a finishing sequence that included chrome plating, selective sandblasting for frosted devices, and hand polishing to achieve the brilliant mirror fields that define proof coinage — yet none of these finishing steps could alter or remove a hubbing anomaly already embedded in the die steel during the design transfer process. The multi-impression hubbing technique used in the early 1960s required the working hub to be pressed into a softened die blank several times under hydraulic force, and even microscopic displacement between impressions left a permanent secondary image alongside the primary design. With the Philadelphia Mint producing 3,075,645 proof Lincoln cents in 1963 — the final uninterrupted proof production year before the 1965-67 coin shortage suspension halted proof sets — approximately one thousand obverse die pairs were consumed at the typical rate of roughly 3,000 impressions per pair. Each of these dies passed through its own independent hubbing session, creating numerous opportunities for the slight misalignments that variety collectors now catalog as distinct doubled die varieties. WDDO-062 is one such variety, preserving the doubled obverse image on every cent it struck during its limited proof service life. The coin was struck on a 95% copper and 5% tin-zinc planchet weighing 3.11 grams at 19mm diameter, featuring Brenner's Lincoln portrait paired with Gasparro's Memorial reverse.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References