1991 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

The sole cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1991 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent, WDDO-001 presents doubling as extra thickness on the date digits — particularly the lower portions of both nines — and on the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST, accompanied by separation in the hair lines on the upper front of Lincoln's head. This combination of date, motto, and portrait doubling across multiple design elements indicates a substantial misalignment between hubbing impressions. The die accumulated an extensive set of markers during its production life: on the obverse, a gouge sits midway between Lincoln's beard and the rim, another gouge falls between his nose and the rim, and a third appears to the right of O in GOD. The reverse die paired with this obverse carries equally distinctive markers — a strong gouge to the right of the last Memorial column, a die crack running NNW from the left side of the Memorial roof, a die break forming a lump on the right end of the left cornice, and a gouge between the second A in AMERICA and the FG initials. This wealth of markers on both sides makes WDDO-001 among the most thoroughly documented obverse varieties for the date. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets composed of 97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper, weighing 2.5 grams and measuring 19mm. The hair on the upper front of the head shows separation lines. Die Markers: Obverse: A die gouge (dot) can be found in the field midway between the upper beard and the rim. A die gouge (dot) can be found in the field midway between the nose and the rim. A die gouge can be found to the right of the upper O in GOD. Reverse: A strong die gouge can be found to the right of the middle of the last column. A die gouge (dot) can be found midway between the 2nd A in AMERICA and the designer’s initials.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Peter Beane Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1991 1¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References