1971-S Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Regarded as one of the premier proof Lincoln cent doubled dies of the 1970s, the 1971-S Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001 showcases an extremely strong Class II spread towards the center that transforms LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the front of Lincoln's vest, and the date into visibly doubled elements — a breadth of affected design coverage that places this variety among the most dramatic hub doubling events in the proof cent series. The centripetal displacement is strong enough to be detected without magnification, as the secondary impression pushes each affected element inward, creating thick shelved edges and unmistakable shadow lettering across the obverse inscriptions. Adding a second layer of die preparation error, the same obverse die carries a repunched mintmark cataloged in the Wexler RPM Files as WRPM-005 (CONECA RPM #3), showing the S punched over S with the secondary punch displaced to the north. This convergence of two independent preparation errors on a single proof die — an extremely strong doubled die and a repunched mintmark — creates a dual-variety specimen that documents two separate moments of human error during the die's manufacture at San Francisco. Die markers include a small die gouge to the right of the bottom of the second S in STATES on the reverse, providing die-pairing confirmation when examining specimens. The proof format enhances every aspect of the doubling: polished planchets receiving multiple high-pressure strikes from polished dies render the Class II centripetal spread with crystalline precision against mirror fields, making the doubled edges on LIBERTY and the date particularly crisp. Collectors pursuing major proof doubled dies recognize this variety as a cornerstone piece.

Die Markers

• Obverse: The mint mark is an RPM (S/S North) listed in the Wexler RPM Files as WRPM-005 (CONECA RPM #3). Reverse: A small die gouge can be found to the right of the bottom of the 2nd S in STATES.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References