1968-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

The third Wexler doubled die obverse for the 1968-S Lincoln cent regular strike, WDDO-003 is accompanied by an unusually detailed set of die markers that facilitate confident attribution. On the obverse, die markers include a nearly vertical die scratch above the R in LIBERTY, a die gouge positioned between the upper portions of the I and N in IN, and a strong vertical die gouge to the left of the first T in TRUST. On the reverse, a die gouge touches the top left of the E in UNITED, and another die gouge sits just left of the top of the F in OF. The precision and specificity of these die marker descriptions — referencing exact positions relative to individual letters on both sides of the coin — reflects the thorough documentation standards of the Wexler cataloging system, which treats die markers as essential identification features that complement the doubling pattern and enable positive attribution even when the doubling itself is subtle or partially worn away. For the 1968-S regular strike collector, the strong die markers on WDDO-003 make it one of the more confidently attributable varieties in the date's DDO roster. San Francisco produced both circulation strikes and proofs in 1968, the first year of resumed proof production after the Coinage Act of 1965 hiatus, and business strikes from the facility carry the S mint mark that had been absent from cents since 1964. Struck on a 3.11-gram, 19mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc at the San Francisco Mint.

Die Markers

• Obverse: A nearly vertical die scratch can be found above the R in LIBERTY. A die gouge can be found between the upper I and N of IN. A strong vertical die gouge can be found to the left of the 1st T in TRUST. Reverse: A die gouge touches the top left of the E in UNITED. A die gouge can be found just to the left of the top of the F in OF.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References