1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-048

Description

Displaying doubling above the L in LIBERTY, WDDO-048 on the 1970-S Large Date Lincoln Memorial cent is supported by an extensive die marker set spanning both surfaces. The doubling above L — appearing as extra metal or a partial shadow extending above the letter's top serif — provides the primary variety indicator, but the supporting markers create one of the more densely documented attribution profiles in the later WDDO range. On the obverse, a die scratch runs to the left of Lincoln's head, providing a marker in the portrait area well removed from the doubling zone, while a die gouge appears to the right of the second T in TRUST, placing another reference point in the upper inscription. The reverse carries detailed markers through the ONE CENT inscription — die scratches or surface features at specific positions that fingerprint this particular reverse die within the broader 1970-S die population. This reverse marker density provides die-pairing confirmation, verifying not only that the obverse die matches WDDO-048 but that the reverse die is the correct partner, helping distinguish this variety from others showing coincidentally similar obverse features. The head scratch, TRUST gouge, and reverse CENT markers collectively build an attribution framework compensating for the relatively localized doubling at L, giving collectors multiple independent confirmation pathways.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Marvin L. Young Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ WDDO-048
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References