1989 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Originally cataloged as WDDO-032 before being reassigned to the WDDO-004 position, this variety's renumbering stems from the reclassification of two obverse doubled working hubs identified for 1989 Lincoln cents — a significant cataloging event that restructured the Wexler DDO numbering sequence for this date (variety ID 1989 1¢ WDDO-004). The reclassification of doubled working hubs means that varieties previously attributed to individual die-level doubling were reanalyzed and some were reassigned based on a revised understanding of which hub — not which die — carried the doubling. This variety shows strong spread with some separation on the date numerals, with lesser doubling on LIBERTY. The "some separation" qualifier indicates the doubling has progressed beyond mere extra thickness into visible split images on portions of the date — a stronger manifestation than medium extra thickness. A very strong die gouge extends east-northeast from the rim to the right of the designer's initials VDB, providing a bold supplementary marker for attribution. The reassignment from WDDO-032 to WDDO-004 moved this variety from a high sequential number to a low one, reflecting its importance in the revised catalog structure. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Joseph Koelling Cross References: None known Comments: This variety was originally listed as WDDO-032 but it was reassigned to help fill the gaping holes in the listings that resulted from the reclassification of two obverse doubled working hubs for the 1989 Lincoln cents
• None known Comments: This variety was originally listed as WDDO-032 but it was reassigned to help fill the gaping holes in the listings that resulted from the reclassification of two obverse doubled working hubs for the 1989 Lincoln cents; Wexler Variety ID: 1989 1¢ WDDO-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References