1972-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Second in the Wexler doubled die obverse hierarchy for the 1972-D cent, WDDO-002 exhibits a nice Class I clockwise spread on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date — rotating in the opposite direction from WDDO-001's counterclockwise displacement, which provides an immediate diagnostic distinction between the two leading varieties for this date. Cross-referenced as CONECA 2-O-I, Crawford CDDO-002, and Coppercoins 1972D-1DO-002, this variety carries market values of $15 in AU, $25 in MS60, $35 in MS63, and $50 in MS65RD — approximately half the premium of WDDO-001, reflecting the slightly lesser visual impact of the clockwise rotation. Two documented obverse stages track the die's service life: in Stage A the O of GOD appears weak but complete, while Stage B reveals that clash abrasion has removed the top portion of that letter, leaving the O incomplete — a progressive change that helps collectors determine their specimen's relative die state. Die clash marks visible below the RTY of LIBERTY on the obverse record at least one clash event during this die's operational life, when the obverse and reverse dies struck each other without an intervening planchet. Two reverse stages pair with this obverse die, providing additional diagnostic information for precise die state identification. The clockwise Class I rotation means all affected design elements shift in a consistent CW direction from their primary positions, producing the characteristic stepped appearance on letters and numerals that doubled die collectors seek — with the date area and LIBERTY often showing the most dramatic separation due to their peripheral position where rotational displacement is geometrically maximized. A small die gouge (dot) can be found to the left of the upper D in GOD. Reverse Stage A: A short die scratch runs from NW to SE to the right of the upper part of the right Memorial base. A short die scratch runs NE from the upper right 1st column. Reverse Stage B: A short, strong die gouge can be found between the bottoms of the F in OF and the 1st A in AMERICA.

Attribution History

• CONECA: 2-O-I, Crawford: CDDO-002, Coppercoins: 1972D-1DO-002 Values: AU = $15, MS60 = $25, MS63 = $35, MS65RD = $50 Comments: If you have a high grade; Wexler Variety ID: 1972-D 1¢ WDDO-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References