1970-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-011

Description

Eleventh in the Wexler sequence for 1970-D Lincoln cent doubled die obverses, WDDO-011 adds another entry to what has become one of the most extensively documented doubled die rosters for any single date and mintmark combination in the entire Lincoln cent series. With no known cross-references to CONECA, Crawford, Coppercoins, or other attribution networks, this variety's documentation rests solely on Wexler's research. The sheer number of DDO varieties from the 1970-D Denver Mint — stretching well past thirty distinct dies — reflects a systemic condition in the hubbing process rather than isolated incidents. During this period, working dies were created by pressing a master hub into a blank die under enormous hydraulic pressure, often requiring multiple impressions to achieve full design transfer. If the die or hub shifted even fractionally between impressions, the resulting working die carried overlapping design images permanently embedded in its steel face. Every coin struck from that die would then bear the same doubled features until the die was retired. For collectors, WDDO-011 represents an opportunity within this prolific series: the large number of documented varieties means that many remain underappreciated in the marketplace, with specimens available at modest premiums compared to the famous 1955 or 1972 doubled dies. Examination under magnification should focus on the date numerals, particularly the horizontal bar of the 7, where even minor vertical displacement creates the most visible doubling effect.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill Wilson Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-D 1¢ WDDO-011
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References