1923 Lincoln Wheat Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Triple-cataloged across three major attribution systems, this 1923 Philadelphia Lincoln Wheat Cent doubled die obverse appears as Wexler WDDO-003, CONECA 1-O-VI, and Coppercoins 1923P-1DO-001. The doubling manifests as extra thickness on the date, IN GOD WE TRUST, and LIBERTY — three widely separated obverse elements whose simultaneous involvement confirms a hub-doubling event affecting a broad area of the die face. The obverse is documented in late die state, with a small die chip above the D in VDB, the designer's initials restored to the reverse in 1918 after their controversial 1909 removal. The reverse carries its own diagnostic: a small die scratch or incipient die crack in the lower left wheat stalk running southwest to northeast. Three independent catalog numbers — each maintained by a separate research organization using different verification standards — provide exceptionally strong attribution confidence. Collectors examining 1923 Wheat Cents for this variety should focus on the date and motto for the characteristic extra thickness that distinguishes hub doubling from the flat, shelf-like appearance of mechanical doubling.

Cross References

• CONECA: 1-O-VI, Coppercoins: 1923P-1DO-001; Wexler Variety ID: 1923 1¢ WDDO-003

External References