2005 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-013

Description

Thirteenth in the reverse doubled die census for the 2005 Lincoln Memorial cent, DDR-013 presents medium spread in a westward direction manifesting as an extra middle column — specifically column number 7, described as "hand to shin" — on Frank Gasparro's Lincoln Memorial reverse. The Memorial reverse (1959-2008) depicted the Lincoln Memorial with its twelve columns visible through the open central bay where a small seated Lincoln figure is visible on well-struck coins, and these columns serve as sensitive doubling detectors because any westward hub displacement creates a ghost column offset from the primary. VarietyVista assigned identifiers UVC-2910 and DMR-015, recording Stage A where both reverse and obverse surfaces exhibit early die state characteristics, with Stages B and C at mid and late die state respectively (both unconfirmed). The comments identify this as a Satin Finish variety found in Mint Sets — the distinctive matte surface treatment applied to circulation-quality coins included in 2005 through 2010 Mint Sets, struck once at higher pressure on burnished planchets. Satin finish coins differ visually from standard business strikes and proof coins, creating a unique collecting niche. Philadelphia's massive cent production in 2005 generated the die consumption necessary for numerous DDR events, though satin finish coins were produced in more limited quantities specifically for Mint Set packaging. The "hand to shin" description for column 7 identifies its position by reference to the tiny seated Lincoln figure visible between the central columns — column 7 sits approximately where the figure's hand-to-shin area would be. Collectors should examine the Memorial facade under 15x magnification, counting from either end to locate column 7, where a medium-spread westward ghost column should appear displaced to the left of the primary column line.

Die Markers

• UVC-2910
• DMR-015
• Stage A:
• Reverse and Obverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References