1968 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

The first Wexler-cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1968 Lincoln cent, WDDO-001 exhibits a close Class II spread towards the rim on the LIBE of LIBERTY. Class II hub doubling is characterized by a pivot-type displacement where the hub rotates between impressions, producing a spread that fans outward from the pivot point — in this case, directed toward the rim, meaning elements closer to the rim show greater displacement while elements near the pivot show minimal movement. The concentration of visible doubling on the LIBE portion of LIBERTY indicates that the pivot point lies to the right side of the obverse field (near the TY of LIBERTY), where the spread diminishes below the threshold of detectability. This selective visibility is a hallmark of Class II doubling: because the spread is rotational rather than translational, only the portion of the design arc farthest from the pivot accumulates enough displacement to produce a discernible doubled image. Obverse die markers include a die scratch running south from the bottom right of the E in LIBERTY and several die scratches running southeast from the left side of the D in GOD. On the reverse, a small die gouge touches the right underside of the top of the second S in STATES. These die markers serve as essential confirmation features, enabling collectors to positively identify the specific working die responsible for this variety independently of the doubling itself. Struck on a 3.11-gram, 19mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc at the Philadelphia Mint.

Die Markers

• Obverse: A die scratch runs south from the bottom right of the E in LIBERTY. Several die scratches run SE from the left side of the D in GOD. Reverse: A small die gouge touches the right underside of the top of the 2nd S in STATES.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References