1943-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

The 1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent DDO-001 is the primary doubled die variety for this die pair, cataloged by VarietyVista under die tracking codes UVC-1573 and DMR-023. The doubling produces a medium spread to the northwest on the 1 and 9 of the date, providing a clear attribute point even in circulated grades. Two significant die cracks serve as stage markers: a crack running from the O of ONE through the first U of PLURIBUS on the reverse, and a crack running across the lower lapel on the obverse. The 1943 Lincoln Cent was struck on zinc-coated steel planchets — a wartime composition substitution to conserve copper for the Allied war effort — making these coins immediately recognizable by their silver-gray appearance and magnetic properties. Counterfeits of the rare 1943 copper cents and altered-date steel cents are well documented; the genuine 1943-D steel cent is common in circulated grades. DDO-001 status makes this the benchmark variety for the date, and the die crack through ONE PLURIBUS provides reliable attribution across die stages.

Die Markers

• UVC-1573
• DMR-023
• Stage A:
• Obverse is EDS
• Light die crack from O of ONE North to rim through the Left leg of the first U of PLURIBUS – EDS
• Stage B:
• Light die crack across lower lapel – EMDS
• Reverse is EMDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Harry Ellis
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References