1988-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006

Description

The sixth Wexler doubled die obverse for the 1988-D cent, attributed as 1988-D 1¢ WDDO-006, displays Class II spread towards center on the date and bottom front of the bust. The involvement of the bust truncation — the lower front edge of Lincoln's portrait — in addition to the date extends the observable doubling zone beyond the legends and into the sculptural design, providing an attribution feature that is typically easier to examine than small letters because the bust edge presents a long, continuous line where any thickening or secondary image is readily apparent. A die gouge inside the upper 9 of the date serves as the primary obverse marker, occupying a location within the numeral itself that makes it unmistakable once located. On the reverse, a nearly horizontal die gouge between the U of UNITED and the upper portion of the first column of the Lincoln Memorial provides the confirming diagnostic. This reverse marker occupies the transition zone between the legend and the architectural design, an area where die surface imperfections tend to be well-preserved because it receives moderate striking pressure without the extreme metal flow that occurs in deeper relief areas. Six Wexler doubled die obverses for a single date and mint mark represents a solid complement of varieties, indicating that multiple obverse dies at the Denver Mint received imperfect hubbing during the 1988 production cycle. Struck at the Denver Mint on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Marvin L. Young Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1988-D 1¢ WDDO-006
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References