2009 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001

Description

Documented by VarietyVista with die markers UVC-2719 and DMR-003, this 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Cent DDR-001 exhibits a very strong spread southwest manifesting as an extra fourth column top plate and partial column — a visually dramatic doubled die reverse where the hub displacement created a clearly visible secondary impression of architectural elements within the Professional Life in Illinois reverse design. Four documented die stages track the variety: Stage A is early die state (EDS, unconfirmed), Stage B is early-to-mid die state (EMDS) identified by a die gouge dot above the N of CENT and a light die crack on the forehead of the obverse, Stage C is mid-die-state (MDS, unconfirmed), and Stage D is late die state (LDS, unconfirmed). The confirmed EMDS Stage B markers — the die gouge dot above CENT and the obverse forehead crack — serve as secondary attribution points that complement the primary doubled column diagnostic. The 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Cent was one of four rotating reverse designs commemorating the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth, with the Professional Life reverse designed by Joel Iskowitz depicting the partially constructed Illinois State Capitol building where Lincoln served as a state legislator. Struck in copper-plated zinc (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) weighing 2.50 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter, the 2009 cents were produced in lower quantities than typical years. The DDR-001 designation as the first cataloged doubled die reverse for this design indicates it was either the earliest discovered or the most prominent DDR variety, and the "very strong" classification signals that this doubling is visible at relatively low magnification, making it accessible to collectors screening circulation finds.

Die Markers

• UVC-2719
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die gouge dot above N of CENT – EMDS
• Light die crack on forehead – EMDS
• Stage C:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage D:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jason Cuvelier
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References