1937 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-010

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1937 1¢ WDDO-010 and cross-referenced as CONECA 6-O-II-C, this Lincoln Wheat Cent doubled die obverse carries dual-system attribution confirming its recognition by both major die variety cataloging authorities. The CONECA classification 6-O-II-C indicates a Class VI (Distorted Hub Doubling) mechanism — one of the less common doubling classes, where the hub itself is distorted rather than simply misaligned, producing doubling characteristics that differ from the more frequently encountered rotated, pivoted, or offset hub classes. This distortion-based mechanism generates doubling patterns that can appear irregular or asymmetric compared to the clean directional spread of Class I through V varieties, as the hub surface deformation creates localized displacement that varies unpredictably across the die face. The 1937 Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in bronze composition — 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc — weighing 3.11 grams with a diameter of 19.0 mm and a plain edge. Victor David Brenner's portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and the wheat stalks reverse were in their 28th year of production by 1937, during the Great Depression era when mintages had recovered somewhat from the severe lows of the early 1930s. The tenth catalog position among doubled die obverses for the 1937 date reflects a meaningful population of working dies and the thorough examination these Depression-era cents have received from variety specialists. Collectors should look for the distinctive irregular displacement pattern characteristic of Class VI distortion when authenticating specimens under magnification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill Wilson Cross References: CONECA: 6-O-II-C
• CONECA: 6-O-II-C; Wexler Variety ID: 1937 1¢ WDDO-010
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References