1989 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-004

Description

Documented with a heavily abraded reverse die surface, WDDR-004 (Wexler variety ID 1989 1¢ WDDR-004) shows a close spread towards rim on the designer's initials FG, the lower portion of the second A in AMERICA, and the upper N in CENT. The heavy abrading across the reverse indicates aggressive die maintenance — polishing or lapping applied by the Mint to extend the die's service life — which can partially obscure the doubling evidence and makes attribution more challenging on this variety than on companion DDRs with cleaner die surfaces. Obverse die markers include a die scratch extending from Lincoln's chin and a heavy die gouge running northeast from the O in ONE to the top of the N — a bold, elongated marker that spans two letters and provides one of the most prominent single diagnostics among the 1989 doubled die reverses. The close spread designation indicates narrow separation between hub impressions, producing doubling that manifests as subtle edge displacement or thickening rather than dramatic split images. Despite the heavy abrading complicating visual assessment, the elongated O-to-N gouge on the obverse offers a reliable secondary confirmation point when the reverse doubling evidence is ambiguous. No additional cross-references are currently known. 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 Geoffrey Fults Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1989 1¢ WDDR-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References