1941 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-023

Description

Twenty-third documented doubled die obverse for the 1941 Lincoln Wheat Cent, this Wexler Team variety shows extra thickness on the date, LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST — a widespread distribution of doubling across multiple obverse design elements. Die markers include a short die gouge running south-southwest to north-northeast below Lincoln's chin on the obverse, while the reverse exhibits a die gouge just above the intersection of the diagonal bar and right vertical bar of the N in ONE, plus a die scratch running south-southwest from the bottom of the second U in PLURIBUS. No cross-references to other cataloging systems were identified. The 1941 Philadelphia Mint cent had a mintage of over 887 million — one of the highest Wheat Cent totals — reflecting the wartime economic mobilization underway as America prepared for entry into World War II. Twenty-three documented doubled die obverses for a single date is an exceptionally high count, consistent with the enormous number of die pairs consumed during that year's production. Extra thickness rather than clear separation indicates closely spaced hub impressions, requiring careful examination under magnification to distinguish from normal die deterioration or strike characteristics.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Keith Christenson Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1941 1¢ WDDO-023
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References