1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-021

Description

Representing the Large Date counterpart to WDDO-021 on the 1970-S Lincoln Memorial cent, this entry documents the same hub doubling — visible above the 7 in the date — within the parent classification characterized by the taller, more prominent 7 that defines the Large Date variety. Ironically, the feature that distinguishes the Large Date from the Small Date — the height of the 7 — is precisely the digit where this doubled die's hub displacement manifests, meaning the doubling interacts with the Large Date's most distinctive design element. The taller 7 on the Large Date potentially provides a slightly larger surface area above the digit for the doubling to be observed, though the magnitude of hub displacement is identical regardless of the date punch. A two-stage obverse and two-stage reverse have been documented, with die clash remnants on the reverse providing secondary attribution evidence. These clash marks — faint impressions of Lincoln's portrait or other obverse elements transferred to the reverse die during unintended die contact — are unique to this specific die pairing and help confirm attribution when the doubling itself is too subtle for definitive identification in isolation. The 1970-S Large Date cent remains one of the most affordable entry points for building a doubled die collection, as the date's large mintage ensures adequate availability in circulated grades, and the concentration of varieties from this year gives cherry-pickers realistic odds of discovery. Die Markers: Obverse Stage A: A small die gouge can be found to the left of the W in WE. Numerous N/S die scratches can be seen to the left of the bust. Reverse Stage A: A short die gouge protrudes from the bottom right of the N in UNITED. Reverse Stage B: A die gouge can be found just inside the bottom right of the N in CENT.

Attribution History

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ WDDO-021
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References