1970-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-010

Description

Showing doubling above both the 7 and slightly above the 0 in the date, WDDO-010 on the 1970-D Lincoln Memorial cent demonstrates how hub misalignment during die production could affect multiple numerals simultaneously when the displacement vector happened to align with the date's orientation. Cross-referenced as Coppercoins 1970D-1DO-003, this variety benefits from dual-source documentation that provides collectors with independent sets of diagnostic photographs. Four die states have been recorded across both surfaces. The obverse progresses through two stages: Stage 1 presents the die in its initial working condition with the doubled date as the primary feature, while Stage 2 shows the effects of abrading — the Mint's standard practice of lightly polishing a die to extend its service life, which softens secondary doubling on less deeply impressed areas while leaving the strongest doubling intact. The reverse also tracks through two stages, with the second stage showing both abrading effects and a small die dent that serves as a late-state diagnostic. The simultaneous doubling above two date digits — the 7 and the 0 — provides attribution confidence because it establishes the direction and magnitude of the hub shift: sufficient to affect the crossbar of the 7 and the upper curve of the 0 while remaining subtle enough that other design elements may show little or no visible displacement. This multi-digit doubling pattern is consistent with a slight upward shift of the secondary hub impression relative to the primary. Die Markers: Obverse Stage A: A die gouge (dot) can be found below the D mint mark. A small die gouge (dot) touches the bottom right of the N of IN. A die scratch runs from SSW to NNE to the right of the chin. A die scratch runs SW from the underside of the chin. Other die scratches can be found on the obverse. Obverse Stage B: The obverse has been heavily abraded leaving numerous die scratches running from west to east in front of and behind the bust Reverse Stage A: A die gouge is centered above the TE in UNITED. A die scratch runs from south to north to the left of the Memorial ending at the bottom left corner of the E in UNITED. Numerous other die scratches can be found throughout the reverse.

Attribution History

• Coppercoins: 1970D-1DO-003; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-D 1¢ WDDO-010
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References