1943-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-014

Description

Hub doubling mechanics on steel planchets follow the same principles as on copper or bronze — the doubling is in the die, not the planchet — but the striking characteristics differ. Steel is significantly harder than copper, which means the dies had to exert greater force to fully impress the design, and the resulting metal flow produced slightly different relief profiles compared to bronze strikes. WDDO-014 for the 1943-D Lincoln Wheat Cent is one of the many doubled die obverses that attributors have identified on Denver Mint steel cents, each representing a distinct die with its own unique hub misalignment. Collectors examining steel cents for varieties should look for the characteristic raised, rounded secondary image of true hub doubling, as opposed to the flat, shelf-like appearance of machine doubling — a distinction that is especially important on steel cents where the harder metal can produce misleading strike artifacts. Cataloged under Wexler Variety ID 1943-D 1¢ WDDO-014.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1943-D 1¢ WDDO-014
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References