1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-005

Description

Featuring strong hub doubling on Lincoln's eye spread to the southeast, this 1938 Lincoln Wheat Cent presents one of the more visually compelling doubled die obverses for the date. The southeast spread creates a doubled image shifted both downward and to the right, producing a clear secondary outline under moderate magnification. Die markers UVC-3389 and DMR-010 identify this die within the VarietyVista system. Three die states are recorded: Stage A at early die state, Stage B at mid-die state, and Stage C at late die state. The "strong" characterization distinguishes DDO-005 from lighter doubled dies on the same date, indicating sufficient misalignment to create bold, easily identifiable doubling rather than subtle shelf effects. The 1938 Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck during the pre-war era at normal peacetime production levels, before World War II material shortages altered cent composition. Doubled die obverses originate when the hub impresses the working die multiple times with slight offset. Cataloged by VarietyVista, the strong eye doubling on this fifth-listed DDO makes it one of the more collectible varieties for 1938.

Die Markers

• UVC-3389
• DMR-010
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Paul Kjellander
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References