1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-016

Description

A Proof-only variety from the 1970-S Lincoln Memorial cent Small Date series, WDDO-016 exhibits close Class I counterclockwise doubling visible on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date — the hallmark spread pattern of a rotational hub misalignment where the second hubbing impression was displaced in a counterclockwise direction relative to the first. Class I doubled dies result from a rotated hub during one of the multiple hubbing impressions required to fully sink the design into the working die, and the counterclockwise vector means the secondary image appears shifted in a direction consistent with slight clockwise rotation of the die relative to the hub (or equivalently, counterclockwise rotation of the hub). A distinctive die gouge manifests as a raised dot between the U and N in UNITED on the reverse — a diagnostic marker independent of the doubling itself that confirms the specific die pairing. Cross-referenced as CONECA 16-O-I and Coppercoins 1970S-1DO-024P, this variety carries documentation across multiple attribution systems, strengthening its provenance. The "P" suffix in the Coppercoins number confirms its Proof status. San Francisco produced all U.S. Proof coinage during this era, and the 1970-S Proof set is notable among collectors for containing both Large Date and Small Date varieties — the Small Date Proof being substantially scarcer and commanding significant premiums even without variety attribution. Finding a doubled die on a 1970-S Proof Small Date adds another layer of numismatic significance to an already desirable coin.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Albert B. Raddi with an upgrade to color photos by John Amato & Bob Gittis Cross References: CONECA: 16-O-I, Coppercoins: 1970S-1DO-024P
• CONECA: 16-O-I, Coppercoins: 1970S-1DO-024P; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ Pr WDDO-016
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References