1970-S Proof Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-005

Description

Cataloged as WDDR-005 in the Wexler doubled die reverse series for the 1970-S Proof Lincoln Memorial cent, this Large Date variety displays strong hub doubling spread concentrated on the designer's initials and the right side of the Memorial base — two areas where even modest displacement between hub impressions translates into visible separation under magnification. The proof striking process, which uses specially prepared polished dies and planchets struck at slower speeds with higher pressure, paradoxically preserves doubled die evidence with exceptional clarity: the mirror-like fields and sharp design edges that define proof coinage also render any die anomaly in high contrast against the surrounding surfaces. A distinctive die gouge to the left of the lower fifth column provides an attribution marker independent of the doubling itself, anchoring this variety to its specific reverse die even on specimens where the spread may be partially obscured by toning or handling. Among 1970-S Proof doubled die reverses, WDDR-005 occupies a position in the middle of the catalog sequence, following four previously documented reverse-doubled proof dies while preceding WDDR-006 and any subsequent discoveries. The 1970-S date carries particular significance in Lincoln cent collecting because of the famous Small Date business-strike variety — a key date worth considerable premium — but the proof versions produced their own constellation of die varieties as San Francisco prepared multiple proof dies using the same hubbing process susceptible to misalignment that affected circulation dies elsewhere. Collectors seeking this variety should examine the FG initials of designer Frank Gasparro and the lower-right Memorial base under at least 10x magnification, looking for separation or shelf-like doubling that confirms the hub displacement.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Large Date. Reverse: A small die gouge can be found to the left of the lower fifth column.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References