1939 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent - Doubled Die Obverse DDO-004

Description

Distinguished as a proof variety — struck on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies at Philadelphia — this 1939 DDO-004 Lincoln Wheat Cent shows light spread and extra thickness on IN GOD WE TRUST and the eyelid. Cataloged by VarietyVista with codes UVC-1422 and DMR-006, proof doubled dies are substantially rarer than business strike counterparts because proof mintages were a tiny fraction of output. Die progression spans three stages: Stage A (EDS, unconfirmed), Stage B at mid-die state with a die crack across the forehead and hair, a crack across the bust, and a crack down the eagle's right wing on the reverse, and Stage C (LDS, unconfirmed). The reverse die in MDS is known mated with a non-DDO obverse, confirming it was used in at least two die marriages. Struck in bronze (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc), the 1939 proof cent is Depression-era collector coinage. A doubled die confirmed as proof-only carries particular importance, documenting hub doubling on dies prepared for the premium proof process rather than commercial production.

Die Markers

• UVC-1422
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• Die scratches cover portrait – LDS
• Die scratches on rim above LIBERTY and below IN
• Large first dot in E PLURIBUS UNUM with straight Left side of dot – LDS
• Large die scratches on Left wheat, starting at tip of stem and running entire length of the wheat

External References