1996 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1996 1¢ WDDR-003, this Lincoln Memorial Cent is a replacement listing — the original WDDR-003 was assigned to a "wavy steps" variety that has been reclassified because wavy steps are no longer believed to represent genuine doubled die effects under current attribution standards. The evolution of this listing reflects a broader shift in the variety community\'s understanding of Memorial Cent step anomalies: what was once attributed as hub doubling is now recognized as a distinct phenomenon, potentially arising from die erosion, incomplete hubbing pressure, or metal flow dynamics during striking rather than from true misalignment between successive hub impressions. The replacement listing maintains the WDDR-003 catalog number for continuity while documenting a confirmed doubled die variety in its place. No additional cross-references are currently known. The Lincoln Memorial Cent\'s architectural reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro and depicting the Lincoln Memorial with its 12 columns, stepped base, and seated Lincoln statue, features numerous fine parallel elements in the staircase area that can display various visual anomalies not all of which originate from hub doubling. The 1996 cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in copper-plated zinc composition (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper), weighing 2.50 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter. Victor David Brenner\'s obverse Lincoln portrait has been in continuous use since 1909. The systematic delisting of wavy steps varieties across multiple Lincoln Memorial Cent dates demonstrates the self-correcting nature of numismatic attribution, where accumulated research and improved die manufacturing knowledge lead to revised classifications that more accurately reflect the true origins of observed die anomalies.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Marilyn Keeney Cross References: None known Comments: This is a replacement listing. The original listing was a “wavy steps” variety and these are no longer believed to be doubled dies.
• None known Comments: This is a replacement listing. The original listing was a “wavy steps” variety and these are no longer believed to be doubled dies.; Wexler Variety ID: 1996 1¢ WDDR-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References