1942 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002

Description

Strong Class VI extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM, the separator dots, and both wheat ears and stems — with a stronger spread on the right stem — marks this second doubled die reverse for the 1942 Lincoln Wheat Cent. Class VI doubling, also termed "extra thickness" or "distended hub" doubling, occurs when the hub is pressed too deeply into the die or at slightly different depths on successive impressions, causing design elements to appear thicker or bolder than normal without the lateral spread characteristic of other doubled die classes. The Wexler Team attributed this variety with the designation 1942 1c WDDR-002, noting no other known cross-references. Obverse die markers indicate a late die state with no significant distinguishing features, while the reverse carries a light die scratch running south from the bottom left of the C in CENT and a small die gouge above the right side of the N in UNITED. Struck during World War II at Philadelphia, the 1942 Wheat Cent was produced in enormous quantities as the nation's economy mobilized for war. Victor David Brenner's wheat ears reverse, in production since 1909, provided the stalks, stems, and lettering where Class VI thickness variations become most apparent under magnification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1942 1¢ WDDR-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References