1972 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-013

Description

Final entry in the Wexler-attributed 1972 Philadelphia doubled die obverse series, WDDO-013 shows a strong clockwise (CW) spread with remnants of an extra horizontal bar of the 2 well above the normal bar — a diagnostic placement notably higher than the similar feature on WDDO-012, providing a key distinction between the two varieties. The master die doubling known for this date appears on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, as it does on other 1972 varieties sharing the same master die lineage. One obverse die stage and one reverse die stage have been documented, with die markers providing the necessary identification framework for attribution. No cross-references to CONECA, FS, Crawford, or Coppercoins have been established, making this variety currently unique to the Wexler attribution system and potentially less well-known to collectors who rely primarily on other reference sources. The distinction between WDDO-012 and WDDO-013 — both showing extra bars related to the 2 in the date — requires careful attention to the exact vertical position of the extra bar relative to the primary horizontal element: WDDO-012's extra bar sits just above the normal bar, while WDDO-013's sits well above it, indicating a different magnitude of hub displacement during manufacture. As the thirteenth and final Wexler-attributed doubled die for the 1972 Philadelphia cent, WDDO-013 closes a catalog that spans the full spectrum of collecting significance — from the legendary naked-eye doubling of WDDO-001 through moderate varieties with FS recognition to subtle close-spread entries that test the limits of attribution skill, together documenting one of the richest concentrations of hub doubling varieties found on any single date in the history of United States coinage. Die Markers: Obverse: Several die scratches extend WNW from the rim below the right side of the bust with one of the stronger scratches being below the D and B of the designer’s initials. Several die scratches extend ESE from the rim above IN and WE. Reverse: A small die gouge can be found to the right of the top of the 2nd A in AMERICA. A small die gouge (dot) can be found to the right of the base of the last Memorial column. A small die gouge (dot) can be found north of the F in the designer’s initials. Two small die gouges can be found between the lower O and N of ONE.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Allen Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1972 1¢ WDDO-013
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References