1973 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

The primary doubled die obverse for the 1973 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent, DDO-001 exhibits light spread on the inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY — the two obverse legend groups most susceptible to showing hub doubling due to their position relative to common pivot and rotation axes. Doubled die obverses are created during the die manufacturing process when a working hub impresses a working die with two slightly misaligned impressions, permanently embedding the doubling into the die itself. Every coin struck by that die will exhibit identical doubling, distinguishing a doubled die from machine doubling (which varies coin to coin and results from mechanical issues during the striking process). DDO-001 is cataloged with die markers UVC-2309 and DMR-002. The UVC (Unique Variety Code) and DMR (Die Marker Reference) designations provide secondary identification points beyond the doubling itself — typically referencing specific die scratches, polish lines, or other microscopic features unique to this die that confirm attribution even on worn specimens where the doubling may be difficult to discern. Collectors searching for DDO-001 should examine IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY under at least 10x magnification, looking for a slight secondary image or thickening of the letter strokes that indicates a second hub impression offset from the primary one. The "light spread" characterization means the displacement is subtle rather than dramatic — patience and proper lighting angle are essential for reliable detection. As the first-listed doubled die for the date, DDO-001 is typically the most well-known and frequently encountered of the 1973-P doubled die obverse varieties.

Die Markers

• UVC-2309; DMR-002

External References