1940-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1940-D 1-cent WDDO-006 and cross-referenced by CONECA as 1-O-VIII-CCW+VI, this Lincoln Wheat Cent exhibits a complex compound doubling classification: Class VIII counterclockwise rotation combined with Class VI distended hub effects. This dual-class mechanism means the secondary hub impression both rotated and expanded simultaneously during the hubbing process, producing a combination of rotational spread and thickness effects that vary across the die face depending on each design element's position relative to both the rotation center and the distension center. Extra thickness is visible on the date, LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST, with a particularly distinctive feature: an extra vertical bar appearing above the L in LIBERTY, a secondary image of the letter's vertical stroke that separated far enough from the primary to appear as a distinct element rather than mere thickening. The obverse die marker consists of a die crack running east-northeast from the upper S in TRUST, documenting structural die failure that developed independently of the doubling feature. The reverse die is itself a doubled die, listed separately as WDDR-002, creating the uncommon situation of a coin bearing doubled die features on both sides. Reverse markers include a long die scratch running south from the center of M in AMERICA and a short die scratch running south-southeast from the upper left T in CENT. The Lincoln Wheat Cent was designed by Victor David Brenner and struck at the Denver Mint in 1940 from 95% copper at 3.11 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter. The combination of a doubled die obverse paired with a separately documented doubled die reverse makes this a dual-doubled die coin — a configuration that significantly increases its interest to variety collectors, who can study the different doubling mechanisms and their visual effects by examining each side of the same coin.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill Wilson (Upgraded photos on a coin by John A. Conway) Cross References: CONECA: 1-O-VIII-CCW+VI
• CONECA: 1-O-VIII-CCW+VI; Wexler Variety ID: 1940-D 1¢ WDDO-006
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References