1968-S Proof Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

A particularly noteworthy doubled die reverse, WDDR-001 for the 1968-S proof Lincoln cent exhibits a very nice Class I counterclockwise (CCW) spread visible on the letters of USA, ONE CENT, E PLURIBUS UNUM, the dots, and the designer's initials FG. Class I doubling results from a rotated hub impression where the hub turned between applications during die manufacture, producing a consistent directional spread across all affected design elements. The counterclockwise vector means that elements in the upper portion of the reverse shift leftward while those in the lower portion shift rightward, with the magnitude of displacement increasing with distance from the rotation center. What makes this die especially significant is that its obverse carries the doubling from the doubled working hub listed as WWHO-001 for this date — meaning a single coin struck from this die pair displays both a doubled die reverse and a doubled working hub obverse, a dual-error combination that considerably enhances collector interest and market value. Reverse die markers include a short curving die gouge south of the lower right M in AMERICA. The 1968-S proof cent was the first standard proof Lincoln cent issued after the Coinage Act of 1965 suspended proof production for three years. Struck on a 3.11-gram, 19mm proof planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc at the San Francisco Mint.

Die Markers

• Obverse: The obverse has the doubling from the doubled working hub that is listed for this date. Reverse: A short curving die gouge can be found south of the lower right M in AMERICA.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References