1973 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team as 1973 1¢ WDDR-001, this doubled die reverse exhibits a light spread on AMERICA, ONE CENT, and the FG designer's initials, with notably strong notching visible on the R and C in AMERICA. Notching — the appearance of distinct serrations or steps along letter edges — is a particularly reliable diagnostic for doubled die identification because it is difficult to replicate through other mechanisms such as die deterioration or machine doubling. The strong notching on R and C provides collectors with a clear focal point when searching for this variety. The Wexler Team notes a possible cross-reference to Coppercoins listing 1973P-1DR-001, but explicitly states that no definitive cross-reference can be established. Their commentary explains that while the doubling appears extremely similar between the two catalog systems, they have been unable to confirm overlapping die markers between the Wexler and Coppercoins attributions — meaning the varieties may represent the same die or may be two different dies with coincidentally similar doubling characteristics. The team actively invites collectors who possess a specimen matching the Coppercoins markers to check for the Wexler die markers and report any overlap. This transparent acknowledgment of an unresolved cross-reference exemplifies the collaborative nature of die variety research, where multiple independent attribution services work toward comprehensive documentation of the same die population. Obverse die markers include a small die scratch above Lincoln's eyelid, possible scratches in the back of the hair and through the ear, and multidirectional scratches through GOD WE TRUST and N/S scratches through and under RT in LIBERTY. Reverse markers feature mostly NNW die scratches under and through ERIC in AMERICA, plus additional scratches running mostly northwest and west through ONE CENT.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Shields Cross References: Possible Coppercoins: 1973P-1DR-001 Comments: Though no definitive cross can be made to the Coppercoins listing, the doubling appears extremely similar. If an example is found matching the Coppercoins markers, I would love to see if any overlapping markers are present with the below example.
• Possible Coppercoins: 1973P-1DR-001 Comments: Though no definitive cross can be made to the Coppercoins listing, the doubling appears extremely similar. If an example is found matching the Coppercoins markers, I would love to see if any overlapping markers are present with the below example.; Wexler Variety ID: 1973 1¢ WDDR-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References