1942-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Cross-referenced by CONECA as 3-O-II-C, by Coppercoins as 1942D-1DO-006, and by the Wexler Team as 1942-D 1c WDDO-003, this doubled die obverse variety on the 1942 Denver Lincoln Wheat Cent benefits from triple attribution across three major variety classification systems. The CONECA designation 3-O-II-C identifies it as the third listed obverse variety using Class II (distorted hub) doubling mechanics — where internal stress within the hub itself caused dimensional variation between the first and second hub impressions, producing doubled design elements across the die face. Class II doubling is distinctive because it produces a spread toward the center of the design rather than the uniform directional offset characteristic of Class I rotated hub doubling. The Coppercoins cross-reference as 1942D-1DO-006 links this variety to the copper-focused specialty reference used by early Lincoln cent variety researchers. The 1942-D cent was struck in bronze composition (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) weighing 3.11 grams at 19 mm diameter with a plain edge — the final year of standard bronze composition before the wartime transition to zinc-coated steel in 1943 to conserve copper for military ammunition. Denver Mint production in 1942 reached 206,698,000 cents, as wartime demand drove massive coinage production. The following year's switch to steel planchets makes 1942 bronze cents the last standard-composition Wheat Cents before the wartime interruption.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Not noted Cross References: CONECA: 3-O-II-C, Coppercoins: 1942D-1DO-006
• CONECA: 3-O-II-C, Coppercoins: 1942D-1DO-006; Wexler Variety ID: 1942-D 1¢ WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References