1972-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

First documented Wexler doubled die reverse for the 1972-D Lincoln Memorial cent, WDDR-001 is identified through an extensive constellation of die markers on both obverse and reverse surfaces that collectively create one of the most thoroughly mapped die pairs in the 1972-D attribution catalog. The obverse carries a long die scratch running from northwest to southeast through the 7 in the date, numerous die scratches oriented north-south between the vest and date area and continuing through the TY of LIBERTY, a short vertical die scratch between the lower N of IN and the G of GOD, and short die scratches running south-southwest to north-northeast to the right of the D in GOD. The reverse is equally well-documented: a small die gouge resides between the lower T and E of UNITED, a short vertical die scratch appears to the right of the second A in AMERICA, and a die gouge occupies the inside of the upper M of AMERICA. This network of precisely positioned die markers — scratches, gouges, and their exact orientations relative to specific design elements — allows definitive die identification even on specimens where the doubled die reverse characteristics might be subtle or partially worn. The 1972-D date produced relatively few documented doubled die reverses compared to its obverse counterparts (five WDDOs versus two WDDRs), a disparity common across Lincoln Memorial cent dates that reflects both the mechanics of independent obverse and reverse die hubbing and the collecting community's historical focus on obverse doubling as the more visually dramatic and marketable variety type.

Die Markers

• Obverse: A long die scratch running from NW to SE runs through the 7 in the date. Numerous die scratches run north to south between the vest and the date and also through the TY of LIBERTY. A short, vertical die scratch is centered between the lower N of IN and the G of GOD. Several short die scratches run SSW to NNE to the right of the D in GOD. Reverse: A small die gouge can be found between the lower T and E of UNITED. A short, vertical die scratch can be found to the right of the 2nd A in AMERICA. A die gouge can be found inside the upper M of AMERICA.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References