1964 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Occupying the third position in the Proof-prefixed doubled die obverse sequence for the 1964 Lincoln cent, this WDDO-003 is one of numerous hub doubling varieties identified exclusively on proof coins from that year. The Philadelphia Mint produced 3,950,762 proof cents in 1964, requiring well over a thousand proof die pairs given the approximately 3,000-strike service life of each proof die. Each of those dies was manufactured through a multi-impression hubbing process, and any misalignment between sequential impressions produced a doubled die that would be replicated on every coin struck from it. The consistency of the doubled image across all coins from the same die is the hallmark that distinguishes genuine hub doubling from machine doubling (worthless strike doubling caused by die bounce during the striking process). No specific doubling description, die markers, cross-references, or expert attributions have been published for this variety beyond the Wexler catalog listing. Collectors searching for proof doubled die varieties should examine their 1964 proof sets under strong directional lighting at 10x or higher magnification, focusing on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date where hub doubling on Lincoln cents is typically most visible. Tilting the coin at various angles beneath the light source can reveal subtle spreads that are invisible from a single vantage point. Struck on a polished 3.11-gram, 19mm bronze planchet of 95% copper and 5% tin-zinc.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References