1941 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005

Description

Bearing an impressive array of cross-references — CONECA 5-O-IV, Cherrypickers FS-01-1941-103 (018.3), and Coppercoins 1941P-1DO-006 — the 1941 Lincoln Wheat Cent WDDO-005 as attributed by the Wexler Team represents a significant Class IV doubled die obverse showing wide spread to the northeast on the 19 of the date, the TY of LIBERTY, and Lincoln's earlobe. Class IV doubling, termed "offset hub doubling," occurs when the working hub shifts position between impressions, creating a displaced secondary image that appears alongside the primary design. The northeast spread direction indicates the hub shifted in that direction between strikes, producing visible separation on design elements aligned along that axis. Obverse die markers include a die crack running across the center of the base of Lincoln's bust — a structural indicator that helps distinguish this die from others and may also serve as a die state marker. The Cherrypickers designation FS-01-1941-103 places this variety within the widely referenced Fivaz-Stanton attribution guide, significantly expanding its visibility among variety collectors who use that reference as their primary resource. The CONECA cross-reference confirms independent verification by the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America. Wide Class IV spread on the date numerals and LIBERTY makes WDDO-005 one of the more visually accessible doubled dies for the 1941 date, as the displacement is sufficient to detect under moderate magnification. The 1941-P Wheat Cent predates America's entry into World War II by months, and surviving examples in collectible condition document the final peacetime production before wartime demands transformed United States Mint operations.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kevin Flynn Cross References: CONECA: 5-O-IV, Cherrypickers: FS-01-1941-103 (018.3), Coppercoins: 1941P-1DO-006
• CONECA: 5-O-IV, Cherrypickers: FS-01-1941-103 (018.3), Coppercoins: 1941P-1DO-006; Wexler Variety ID: 1941 1¢ WDDO-005
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References