1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-014

Description

Displaying doubling above the 7 and below the L in LIBERTY, the 1970-S WDDO-014 under the Small Date parent documents a doubled die obverse tracked through two die stages. Stage B introduces a distinctive die marker: a die gouge that produces a raised dot between the L and I in LIBERTY, creating a diagnostically memorable feature that experienced attributors can use for rapid variety screening. This dot-shaped gouge — positioned in the space between two consecutive letters of the LIBERTY legend — is the kind of die marker that, once learned, allows collectors to identify WDDO-014 specimens at a glance under magnification before even examining the date area for doubling evidence. The Small Date parent classification under ODV-026 places both the LIBERTY doubling and the L-I die gouge within the visual context of the compact-date obverse, and the doubling below the L in LIBERTY is particularly useful for attribution because it occupies an area of the die away from the date digits where date style differences might complicate comparison with reference images. No cross-references to other attribution systems have been recorded, and the two-stage progression suggests a relatively straightforward die life without the extensive abrasion or multi-stage complexity seen on varieties like WDDO-007 or WDDO-009. Collectors examining 1970-S Small Date cents should check for the dot between L and I in LIBERTY as a quick initial screen before confirming the doubling pattern. Die Markers: Obverse Stage A: Several die scratches extend NE from the bowtie. Numerous other die scratches run mostly SW/NE throughout the obverse. Obverse Stage B: The Stage A die scratches are now very weak or no longer visible.

Attribution History

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ WDDO-014
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References