1940 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1940 1-cent WDDO-005, this Lincoln Wheat Cent doubled die obverse exhibits extra thickness on IN GOD WE TRUST and the date, with separation lines also visible on the uppermost folds of Lincoln's hair. The extra-thickness classification indicates the hub doubling occurred with minimal offset, producing thickened letter strokes rather than clearly separated secondary images — a subtler form of doubling that requires careful examination under magnification to detect. Obverse die markers provide essential confirmation: a die gouge positioned east of the upper Y in LIBERTY near Lincoln's shoulder, and a slightly curving die scratch running southeast from the front of Lincoln's hair. The reverse carries its own die marker — a die scratch running south from the center of the E and through the lower third of the E in E PLURIBUS UNUM, plus an additional die scratch near the rim above PL in PLURIBUS. No other known cross-references exist for this variety beyond the Wexler designation. The Lincoln Wheat Cent was designed by Victor David Brenner, struck during the Depression Era in a composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc, weighing 3.11 grams at 19.05 mm diameter. The 1940 Philadelphia Mint issue saw substantial production as the economy recovered, providing a large population from which varieties could emerge. For attribution, begin with the die gouge east of the Y in LIBERTY as the fastest pick-up point, then confirm the extra thickness on IGWT and the date under 10x magnification with angled lighting.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jennifer Casazza Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1940 1¢ WDDO-005
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References