1968-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

The first Wexler-cataloged doubled die reverse for the 1968-S proof Lincoln cent, WDDR-001 displays a very nice Class I counterclockwise (CCW) spread visible on an extensive range of reverse design elements: the letters of USA, ONE CENT, E PLURIBUS UNUM (EPU), the decorative dots flanking ONE CENT, and the designer's initials FG (Frank Gasparro). Class I hub doubling is the most straightforward type, characterized by a uniform translational displacement between successive hub impressions during die manufacture, producing a consistent spread direction and magnitude across the entire affected area. The counterclockwise rotational component to this Class I spread means that the doubling follows a slightly curved path, with elements at different distances from the center of rotation exhibiting slightly different spread angles. The breadth of affected elements — spanning inscriptions, denomination, motto, decorative details, and attribution initials — indicates a significant displacement that produced widespread, readily detectable doubling across the reverse face. Critically, the source documentation notes that "the obverse has the doubling from the doubled working hub that is listed for this date," confirming that this proof die carries the WWHO-001 working hub doubling on its obverse in addition to the reverse die doubling cataloged here. This dual presence of hub-level obverse doubling and die-level reverse doubling on the same coin makes WDDR-001 specimens especially interesting to variety specialists. A curving die gouge south of the right M in AMERICA serves as a reverse die marker. Cross-referenced as CONECA 1-R-I. Cataloged under Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S 1¢ Pr WDDR-001. Attributed by the Wexler Team. Struck on a 3.11-gram, 19mm proof planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc at the San Francisco Mint.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Delma K. Romines Cross References: CONECA: 1-R-I
• CONECA: 1-R-I; Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S 1¢ Pr WDDR-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References