2002-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 2002-D 1-cent WDDR-001, this Lincoln Memorial Cent carries an important editorial note: it is a replacement listing, with the original WDDR-001 having been a "wavy steps" variety that is no longer believed to represent genuine doubled die doubling. The reclassification reflects evolving understanding within the variety community about distinguishing true hub doubling from die deterioration effects, particularly on the Memorial steps where progressive die wear can mimic the appearance of doubling. The current replacement listing documents a confirmed doubled die reverse variety on the 2002 Denver Mint cent. No external cross-references beyond the Wexler designation are currently known. The Lincoln Memorial Cent was designed by Frank Gasparro for the reverse, depicting the Lincoln Memorial with its twelve columns and visible seated Lincoln statue, and Victor David Brenner for the obverse portrait. Struck at the Denver Mint in copper-plated zinc composition (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) weighing 2.5 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter, the 2002-D cent was produced in quantities exceeding 4 billion pieces. The wavy steps phenomenon that prompted the original listing's delisting is a recognized pitfall in Memorial cent variety attribution — the five stepped tiers at the base of the Memorial design are susceptible to die fatigue effects that produce wavy or irregular contours resembling hub displacement, and the variety community's decision to delist the original and replace it with a confirmed doubled die demonstrates the self-correcting nature of the attribution process and the rigorous standards maintained by the Wexler cataloging team.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Dean M. Hengst 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: 2002-D 1¢ WDDR-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References