2004 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista as DDR-001 with die marker code UVC-2489 and DMR-004, this doubled die reverse variety appears on a 2004 Lincoln Memorial cent struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The 2004 cent was produced in the copper-plated zinc composition, weighing 2.5 grams with a 19 mm diameter and a plain edge. Cross-referenced as FS-801 (Fivaz-Stanton), the inclusion in the Cherrypickers guide with an FS number indicates this variety is considered significant enough for mainstream collector attention, placing it among the most important doubled die varieties for the 2004 date. The doubling produces medium spread and extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, affecting two of the most prominent reverse inscriptions on Frank Gasparro's Lincoln Memorial design. Three die stages have been documented: Stage A in early die state remains unconfirmed; Stage B at mid-die state shows a light die crack down column number 1, a light die crack above columns 3 and 4, a light die crack on Lincoln's forehead and above the eye on the obverse, and minor notched doubling on RTY of LIBERTY on the obverse; Stage C in late die state also remains unconfirmed. The presence of notched doubling on the obverse RTY of LIBERTY in addition to the reverse DDR makes Stage B specimens particularly interesting, as they exhibit variety characteristics on both sides of the coin. The reverse die classification also uses the RDV (Reverse Die Variety) system, and the comments note that this die pairs with a reverse featuring specific characteristics designated by its VarietyVista classification. The FS-801 Cherrypickers designation makes this one of the more widely known and actively sought doubled die varieties from the 2004 date, and its first-listed position as DDR-001 confirms its primacy within the 2004 Lincoln cent doubled die reverse census.

Die Markers

• UVC-2489
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Light die crack down column # 1 – MDS
• Light die crack above column # 3 and 4
• Light die crack on forehead and above eye – MDS
• Obverse has minor notched doubling on RTY of LIBERTY
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Robert Neff
• FS-801
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References