1972-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005

Description

Fifth doubled die obverse in the Wexler catalog for the 1972-D cent, WDDO-005 departs from the comprehensive inscription doubling seen on WDDO-001 through WDDO-004 by concentrating its visible spread on a single diagnostic point: the underside of the 2 in the date. Cross-referenced to Coppercoins as 1972D-1DO-006 (note the non-sequential numbering between attribution systems), this variety lacks CONECA and Crawford designations, suggesting it was documented primarily through the Wexler and Coppercoins attribution channels. The obverse carries numerous die scratches running from west-southwest to east-northeast on both sides of Lincoln's bust — a prominent network of parallel surface marks that provides immediate die identification even before examining the date area for doubling. The reverse reveals a strong die clash mark extending south from the bottom left of the Memorial to the top right of the O in ONE, documenting a particularly forceful clash event where the dies met without an intervening planchet and transferred deep impressions across a substantial portion of the reverse field. Additional reverse markers include a die scratch above the left end of the Memorial roof and a long die scratch running northeast from the bottom right of C in CENT through the top left of E and continuing to the bottom of the Memorial structure. This extensive reverse die scratch network, combined with the obverse scratches flanking the bust, creates a heavily marked die pair whose attribution markers are arguably more visually prominent than the doubled die feature itself — making WDDO-005 an unusual case where the die markers outshine the variety that gives the coin its catalog designation.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: Coppercoins: 1972D-1DO-006
• Coppercoins: 1972D-1DO-006; Wexler Variety ID: 1972-D 1¢ WDDO-005
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References