1942 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-011

Description

Produced as a proof at the Philadelphia Mint, the 1942 Lincoln wheat cent WDDR-011 displays a Class II spread toward the center on the wheat kernels of the lower right wheat stalk and on the right wheat stem. Class II distorted hub doubling produces a convergent spread pattern where design elements appear to shift inward, and on the wheat cent reverse, this manifests as a subtle tightening of kernel details and stem positioning. Die markers on both sides assist with authentication. The obverse shows a short, curving die scratch southeast of the U in TRUST and a small die gouge above the right side of the 9 in the date. The reverse carries a small die gouge just to the right of the center of the N in ONE. Cataloged under the Wexler designation 1942 1¢ Pr WDDR-011, this proof variety occupies a distinctive niche: proof Lincoln cents from 1942 were struck on polished planchets with specially prepared dies, and the mirrored fields of a proof surface make even subtle Class II doubling more detectable than it would be on a business strike. The convergence of proof production quality with doubled die characteristics creates a variety that rewards close inspection under magnification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bob Kelly Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1942 1¢ Pr WDDR-011
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References