1970-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-012

Description

Cross-referenced as Coppercoins 1970D-1DO-002 and bearing the Wexler designation 1970-D 1¢ WDDO-012, this doubled die obverse benefits from documentation in two independent attribution systems. The Coppercoins cross-reference as -002 indicates this was one of the earlier varieties cataloged in that system's framework, even though it falls at position twelve in Wexler's numbering — a discrepancy that reflects different discovery timelines and submission patterns across attribution networks rather than any disagreement about the variety itself. Denver's 1970 cent production was massive, and the quantity of working dies required to sustain that output virtually guaranteed that some percentage would carry hub doubling artifacts from the multi-impression die-making process. WDDO-012's specific doubling characteristics — as documented in Wexler's research photographs — distinguish it from the dozens of other DDO dies known for this date through unique die markers that serve as fingerprints for that particular working die. Attribution requires matching these die-specific markers rather than relying solely on the doubling pattern, because multiple 1970-D dies can show similar doubling directions and magnitudes while originating from entirely different die pairs. Collectors building sets of 1970-D doubled dies will find that the Coppercoins cross-reference provides a valuable second opinion for confirming identity, particularly when specimens show wear that obscures primary doubling.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Frank Baumann Cross References: Coppercoins: 1970D-1DO-002
• Coppercoins: 1970D-1DO-002; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-D 1¢ WDDO-012
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References