1909 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-012

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team, this 1909 Lincoln Wheat Cent with VDB initials carries a doubled die reverse from the inaugural year of Victor David Brenner's iconic design. Struck in bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc), the 1909 VDB is among the most recognized dates in American numismatics. The doubling is Class VI (extra thickness) with spread toward center appearing slightly on the E and PL of E PLURIBUS UNUM, the separator dot, and the upper left wheat ear. On the obverse, a die gouge shaped like a dot sits between the lower legs of R in LIBERTY, with a second die gouge between the lower E and R of LIBERTY. The reverse carries a very long die gouge — or remnants of a strong die clash — curving south-southeast from the lower right of the O in OF. First-year Lincoln Cent doubled dies hold particular appeal because 1909 represents both the birth of Brenner's design and the centennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. The VDB initials on the reverse, controversially removed partway through 1909 production, confirm this die was prepared during the earliest period of the new design's manufacture.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Russ LeBeau Cross References: None known Comments: The photos for this variety were taken by John Bordner for the Wexler Doubled Die Files.
• None known Comments: The photos for this variety were taken by John Bordner for the Wexler Doubled Die Files.; Wexler Variety ID: 1909 1¢ WDDR-012
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References