1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-044

Description

Among the most extensively documented varieties in the higher-numbered 1970-S WDDO range, WDDO-044 on the Large Date Lincoln Memorial cent presents a distinctive doubling signature: an extra bar below the 7 in the date accompanied by slight doubling under the 0. This extra bar — a partial duplicate of the 7's horizontal crossbar displaced downward — provides a focused attribution target for experienced cherry-pickers. The die marker set is exceptionally detailed across both surfaces. On the obverse, parallel die scratches between the N and G of IN GOD provide a precise positional reference, while a separate die scratch runs between the S and T of TRUST. A particularly significant diagnostic feature is the mintmark position: WDDO-044 carries the lowest mint mark position among similar 1970-S varieties, meaning the S mintmark sits measurably closer to the rim than on other WDDO dies. This lowest-position mintmark serves as a rapid screening tool — before examining the date for doubling, a collector can check whether the mintmark position falls within the expected range, eliminating non-candidates immediately. The reverse carries its own marker constellation: a die scratch parallel to the first Memorial column, a die gouge between the R and I of AMERICA, and die scratches through CENT. This marker density makes WDDO-044 one of the most attributable varieties in the later WDDO sequence despite its relatively subtle doubling, demonstrating that thorough die marker documentation can compensate for modest doubling magnitude by providing multiple independent confirmation points. A die scratch runs north to south on the inside of the C of CENT.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Frank C. Bruske Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ WDDO-044
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References