1997-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-004

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1997-D 1¢ WDDR-004 and cross-referenced as Crawford CDDR-007, this Lincoln Memorial Cent displays a nearly horizontal partial extra column running through the upper right side (viewer's left) of the statue — a doubling manifestation where the hub displacement created a horizontal element overlapping the Lincoln statue within the Memorial's interior, distinct from the vertical extra-column varieties more commonly associated with Memorial Cent DDRs. Obverse die markers include a die scratch running from west-southwest to east-northeast between the upper L and I of LIBERTY, along with die pitting to the left of the lower 1 in the date. Reverse markers consist of a die gouge to the left of the top of the first Memorial column and a strong die gouge between the bottom left side of the Memorial and the O in ONE. The "nearly horizontal" orientation of the extra column sets this variety apart from standard vertical column-doubling DDRs, indicating the hub displacement vector had a predominantly lateral component relative to the Memorial's upright architectural elements. The Crawford CDDR-007 cross-reference confirms independent documentation in the Crawford doubled die catalog for Lincoln Cents. Struck at the Denver Mint in 1997 in copper-plated zinc composition (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) weighing 2.5 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter. Victor David Brenner designed the obverse portrait and Frank Gasparro the Memorial reverse. The distinction between horizontal and vertical extra-column manifestations reflects the diversity of hub displacement directions that can occur during the die manufacturing process, with each orientation producing a unique visual result within the Memorial's architectural framework.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Billy G. Crawford Cross References: Crawford: CDDR-007
• Crawford: CDDR-007; Wexler Variety ID: 1997-D 1¢ WDDR-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References