1973 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

The second doubled die obverse cataloged for the 1973 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent, DDO-002 displays light spread and extra thickness on three design elements: IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date. The involvement of the date numerals in addition to the legend inscriptions indicates a broader zone of doubling compared to DDO-001, which affects only the two inscription groups. This wider distribution of doubling across the obverse field provides additional diagnostic locations for collectors attempting identification — the date offers a particularly accessible checking point since its numerals are large and located in an area of the coin less prone to contact wear. The "extra thickness" descriptor is significant: it characterizes the doubling as manifesting primarily as a widening or bolding of the affected letters and numerals rather than a clear secondary image with visible separation between the two impressions. This presentation is typical of doubled dies with very slight displacement — the two hub impressions are close enough together that they overlap substantially, producing thickened strokes rather than distinctly split images. DDO-002 carries die markers UVC-2310 and DMR-003, providing unique secondary identification features specific to this die. These codes reference microscopic die characteristics — scratches, polish marks, or other die-specific features — that allow positive attribution even on circulated specimens where the subtle doubling may be partially obscured by wear. The combination of three affected design areas (motto, LIBERTY, and date) plus the assigned die markers makes DDO-002 distinguishable from DDO-001 despite both varieties showing "light" doubling of similar character.

Die Markers

• UVC-2310; DMR-003

External References