1971-S Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Third doubled die obverse in the proof-titled 1971-S Lincoln Memorial cent sequence, this WDDO-003 entry records a variety that complements the more dramatic WDDO-001 and WDDO-002 in the San Francisco proof doubled die family. No significant die markers have been documented on either the obverse or reverse, which means positive identification depends entirely on resolving the doubled die characteristics themselves rather than relying on secondary surface features as screening criteria. The absence of notable die markers is itself an indicator of die condition — either the die was relatively early in its service life when fewer accumulated contact marks had developed, or the markers present were too minor to warrant documentation by the attributing specialists. Within the broader 1971-S proof doubled die population, WDDO-003 occupies a middle position between the extremely strong varieties (WDDO-001 with its dramatic Class II spread and concurrent RPM) and the very close varieties (WDDO-005 with its rim-ward spread limited to the date). Proof coinage from this era was struck at San Francisco on specially polished planchets using dies that received a mirror finish, with each coin receiving multiple strikes at elevated pressure to bring up the full design detail — a process that faithfully recorded whatever hub doubling the obverse die carried, preserving the doubled elements with the contrast and clarity that make proof specimens preferred for variety study. Collectors assembling the complete 1971-S proof doubled die set will find WDDO-003 a necessary inclusion, documented across multiple import sources and representing a distinct obverse die in the San Francisco proof cent production sequence.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None significant. Reverse: None significant.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References