2003 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Characterized by extra thickness on the letters of LIBERTY, this 2003 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Memorial Cent doubled die obverse presents diagnostic features concentrated in the inscription area identifiable with a good loupe. The doubling is most pronounced on the top left of the Y, and notches can be found on the top left corners of E, R, T, and Y, providing a systematic identification sequence. The obverse die carries a small die gouge to the left of the G in GOD and a die gouge near the rim at approximately 3:00, both serving as secondary attribution markers. On the reverse, short die gouges run east-southeast from the rim above the right side of the T and E in UNITED. Attributed by the Wexler Team under Wexler Variety ID 2003 1c WDDO-004, the extra thickness pattern on LIBERTY is characteristic of spread that broadens the letters rather than shifting them laterally, requiring careful observation to distinguish from strike doubling or die deterioration. The rich die marker profile on both sides makes this one of the more confidently attributable doubled dies for the date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 2003 1¢ WDDO-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References