1964 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-037

Description

One of the most noteworthy entries in the entire 1964 proof Lincoln cent catalog, this WDDO-037 is a dual DDO/DDR variety whose obverse die carries hub doubling while its reverse die is independently a doubled die reverse, likely WDDR-116 based on the Wexler-sourced data. The obverse displays a close clockwise spread from a pivot at 10:00, manifesting as an extra bar above the right end of the horizontal crossbar of the 4 in the date. The Wexler description notes that the hub was most likely tilted when this image was formed, suggesting a Class VIII tilted hub doubling — one of the rarest doubling classifications, in which the hub is angled rather than shifted or rotated between impressions. On the obverse, a die scratch runs from west-southwest to east-northeast above and between the W and E of WE. The reverse of this die pair is also a doubled die, with the Wexler source noting it as a separate catalog entry (truncated in the import, but identified as WDDR-116 from the companion entry enriched in the previous batch). Finding both a DDO and a DDR on the same coin is exceptionally rare — it requires two independently manufactured dies, each with its own hubbing misalignment, to be paired together in the same press. The probability of this occurring is the product of two already-small probabilities, making dual DDO/DDR varieties standout pieces for advanced collectors. Struck from the 1964 proof mintage of 3,950,762 cents on dies limited to roughly 3,000 impressions, placing a hard ceiling on the population of this dual variety. Struck on a polished 3.11-gram, 19mm bronze planchet of 95% copper and 5% tin-zinc.

Die Markers

• Obverse: A die scratch runs from WSW to ENE above and between the W and E of WE. Reverse: The reverse of this variety is also a doubled die listed as

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References