2018 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team, this 2018 Lincoln Shield Cent exhibits obverse hub doubling producing extra thickness on the date digits with slighter doubling visible on the letters of LIBERTY. Two die stages have been documented with distinct die markers for each. The earlier stage shows die characteristics consistent with normal die wear, while the later stage develops a die crack with accompanying die chips running across the top of the Union Shield on the reverse, providing a useful marker for stage attribution. The Lincoln Shield reverse, introduced in 2010 as a permanent replacement for the Memorial design, features a heraldic shield with horizontal and vertical lines representing the states and federal government. Struck in copper-plated zinc, the 2018 cent saw enormous production at both Philadelphia and Denver. WDDO-002's date doubling requires magnification to confirm, as the extra thickness effect produces a bolder appearance to the numerals rather than a clearly separated secondary image. The progression from clean dies to cracked shield offers collectors two distinct states to pursue within this single die marriage. Die Markers: Obverse Stage A: A small die gouge (dot) can be found just to the right of the top of the E in LIBERTY. Obverse Stage B: A small die gouge can be found north of the E in LIBERTY. Reverse Stage A: A small die gouge can be found inside the bottom of the D in UNITED.

Attribution History

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 2018 1¢ WDDO-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References