1988 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Carrying the CONECA designation 2-O-II — indicating a Class II (rotated) doubled die obverse as classified by the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America — WDDO-004 on the 1988 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent displays nice spread on the date and bottom of the bust, with lesser spread on the hair, IN GOD WE TRUST, and LIBERTY. The CONECA attribution adds a layer of independent verification to the Wexler Team's original documentation, confirming the variety through a second major attribution organization. The obverse die is richly marked: a gouge between the 1 and 9 of the date, gouges near Lincoln's ear, and pitting by the forehead provide multiple attribution anchors. The reverse is equally diagnostic, with a scratch running northwest from the Memorial base, another extending from the roof to the E of UNITED, scratches through ERICA, and a die crack accompanied by die chips on the N of ONE. This combination of die crack and chips on the reverse indicates significant die deterioration, suggesting the die was in late service when the most die-marker-rich specimens were produced. The wealth of markers on both sides makes WDDO-004 one of the most confidently attributable Wexler varieties for the 1988 date. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm. Die Markers: Obverse: A small die gouge can be found between the 1 and 9 in the date. Die gouges can be found to the left of the lower ear. Reverse: A strong die scratch extends northwest from the top of the left base of the Memorial. A die scratch extends northwest from the left roof of the Memorial to the E of UNITED. A die scratch connects the center right E of ONE to the top of the C of CENT. Several die scratches run through the lower ERICA of AMERICA.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: CONECA: 2-O-II
• CONECA: 2-O-II; Wexler Variety ID: 1988 1¢ WDDO-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References