1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-020

Description

The Large Date variant of WDDO-020 on the 1970-S Lincoln Memorial cent carries the same hub doubling signature as its Small Date sibling — doubling below the L in LIBERTY and above the 7 in the date — within the parent classification defined by the taller 7 and straighter 9 loop of the Large Date punch. Die pitting on the obverse serves as a primary die marker, manifesting as raised bumps on struck coins where corrosion or environmental damage attacked the die steel before or during its production run. A die gouge located below the S in STATES on the reverse provides an equally distinctive secondary diagnostic: this gouge appears as a small raised lump on struck coins, unique to this reverse die and unrelated to the hub doubling that defines the obverse variety. The three-stage progression documented for both obverse and reverse surfaces captures the die's evolution from early freshness through late-state fatigue, with the pitting and gouge characteristics becoming more or less prominent depending on how post-production die maintenance interacted with these features. Because the Large Date 1970-S cent was produced in greater volume than the Small Date, the statistical probability of encountering WDDO-020 in this parent classification is marginally higher — though the actual survival rate depends on how many coins were struck from this specific die before it was retired. Collectors who have already identified a WDDO-020 in one date variant may wish to pursue both, as the Large Date and Small Date entries represent the same die variety in two collecting contexts. Die Markers: Obverse Stage A: A short die scratch runs SW from the top left of the seven in the date. A die scratch runs N/S between the E of WE and the first T in TRUST. Obverse Stage B: Short die scratches extend west from the back of the bust. A die scratch curves to the south from the lower left of the G in GOD. Reverse Stage B: Numerous die scratches run NW/SE to the left of the Memorial.

Attribution History

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ WDDO-020
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References