2004 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002

Description

VarietyVista records DDR-002 on the 2004 Lincoln Memorial Cent as exhibiting strong spread on the upper left portion of column #7 on the Lincoln Memorial reverse. Die markers UVC-2490 and DMR-005 identify the working die, with three stages documented: Stage A at early die state (unconfirmed), Stage B at mid die state with a light die crack on the upper E of CENT visible on the reverse (obverse also at MDS), and Stage C at late die state (unconfirmed). Strong spread on a single column segment — specifically the upper left of column #7 — represents a concentrated diagnostic that, despite its limited footprint on the overall reverse design, is visually compelling because the extra column material creates a clearly doubled architectural element against the clean background of the Memorial's interior. Column #7 sits just right of center on the twelve-column facade, placing the doubling in the most visually prominent zone of the reverse. The light die crack on the upper E of CENT at Stage B provides a secondary diagnostic marker that evolves as the die ages, potentially expanding into a more prominent crack at later stages. The strong intensity classification means this variety is likely detectable at relatively low magnification, perhaps even with a standard 5x loupe under favorable lighting. The 2004 Lincoln Memorial Cent was among the final issues of the long-running Memorial reverse design, which would conclude after 2008. DDR-002's second catalog position for the 2004 date indicates it was either the second strongest variety discovered or the second to be documented. The column-focused spread adds this entry to the broader Lincoln Memorial Cent tradition of column-doubling varieties, one of the most iconic DDR diagnostic types in U.S. numismatics.

Die Markers

• UVC-2490
• DMR-005
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Light die crack on upper E of CENT – MDS
• Obverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Ribar
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References