1972-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

A proof-only variety from the San Francisco Mint, 1972-S 1¢ Pr WDDO-004 displays a very close Class I clockwise spread on the lower LIBE of LIBERTY, the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST, and the upper portions of the "72" digits in the date. The Wexler Variety ID is 1972-S 1¢ Pr WDDO-004, with no external cross-references currently established. The distribution of visible doubling — concentrated on the lower portion of LIBERTY rather than the full word, combined with IGWT and partial date involvement — indicates a modest rotational displacement centered at a pivot point that produces its strongest visible effects in the regions farthest from the rotation center. Proof dies at the San Francisco Mint receive special preparation including chrome plating and careful polishing, which can sometimes obscure very subtle doubling; the fact that WDDO-004's spread remains identifiable on proof specimens confirms sufficient displacement to survive the proof die preparation process. Obverse die markers include a small die gouge (dot) on the base of the bust northeast of the B in the designer's initials (VDB). The reverse carries several distinctive features: three diagonal die scratches at the right end of the steps; two die scratches running through the statue's right leg; and a die scratch running through the lower fourth and fifth Memorial bays. The reverse marker set is particularly useful because the steps and statue areas of proof Lincoln cents typically display exceptional detail, making these die scratches readily visible under standard magnification. Collectors examining 1972-S proof cents should screen first for the characteristic VDB-area dot on the obverse, then confirm the LIBE doubling to distinguish WDDO-004 from other proof varieties sharing similar reverse markers.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Peter Beane Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1972-S 1¢ Pr WDDO-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References