1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-042

Description

A proof Large Date issue displaying clockwise spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date, WDDO-042 on the 1970-S Lincoln Memorial cent is distinguished by extensive die markers across both surfaces. Clockwise hub doubling produces displacement where letters on the left side of the obverse shift slightly downward and those on the right shift upward, with increasing magnitude away from the rotational axis. On the obverse, die scratches on Lincoln's vest and nose provide surface markers in the portrait area, well separated from the inscription zones where doubling is detected, allowing two independent diagnostic checks. The reverse carries an especially rich marker set: a die gouge positioned between the right base of the Lincoln Memorial and the rim creates a prominent feature in the lower right field, while die scratches appear in the second bay and the fifth bay of the Memorial's colonnade. These bay-specific scratches exploit the Memorial design's architectural regularity — the bays between columns provide a consistent frame of reference that makes scratch positions precisely communicable between researchers. As a proof coin, WDDO-042 benefits from the manufacturing clarity that polished dies and multiple strikes impart to both doubling evidence and die markers. The clockwise direction, combined with vest, nose, and Memorial markers, creates a well-defined attribution profile.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Richard Golden Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ Pr WDDO-042
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References