1964 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

The third proof doubled die obverse cataloged for the 1964 Lincoln cent, WDDO-004 carries the Wexler Team attribution (Wexler Variety ID: 1964 1¢ Pr WDDO-004) and documents another hubbing anomaly on a proof die from the Philadelphia Mint's 1964 production. That three separate proof doubled die obverse varieties have been identified for a single year's proof production is notable, reflecting both the number of proof dies manufactured for the 3,950,762-coin proof run and the systematic examination these coins have received from variety specialists. Proof dies were manufactured with the same multi-impression hubbing process used for business strike dies, but their subsequent treatment differed markedly: chrome plating for durability, careful polishing for mirror-like fields, and operation at higher striking pressures with slower press speeds to achieve the full design sharpness and reflective finish that define proof coinage. The approximately 3,000-strike working life of a proof die means that the total production from any single WDDO-004 die was a small fraction of the overall proof mintage, making surviving specimens proportionally scarce. Collectors examining 1964 proof cents for this variety benefit from the inherently superior surface quality of proof strikes, which can render subtle doubling more visible against the mirror fields than it would appear on the satin or lustrous surfaces of business strikes. No independent cross-references beyond the Wexler Team attribution are currently listed. Struck on a 95% copper and 5% tin-zinc planchet weighing 3.11 grams at 19mm diameter.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1964 1¢ Pr WDDO-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References