1988 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Displaying strong spread on the 988 of the date and the lower bust line, with lighter spread visible on LIB of LIBERTY, DDO-001 on the 1988 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent exemplifies Class II hub doubling — the predominant mechanism for doubled die obverse formation in the modern Lincoln cent series. Class II doubling occurs when the hub rotates slightly between successive impressions during the die-making process, imparting a secondary, offset design image that fans outward from the pivot point. On DDO-001, the strongest separation appears on the date numerals, where the spread manifests as a distinct secondary image south of the primary digits, and on the lower bust line, where the doubling creates a visible shelf below Lincoln's coat. The lighter spread on LIBERTY diminishes with distance from the strongest doubling zone, consistent with a rotational pivot mechanism. Cataloged as UVC-2408 and DMR-003 in the variety classification systems, this die was paired with a reverse carrying the RDV-005 design. Collectors searching for this variety should focus first on the date area, where the strong spread on 988 provides the quickest confirmation point. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, weighing 2.5 grams and measuring 19mm.

Die Markers

• UVC-2408; DMR-003

External References