1943 Lincoln Wheat Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Struck on zinc-coated steel planchets — the only non-copper composition in the Lincoln Cent's entire history — the 1943 WDDO-002 documents a doubled die obverse on one of America's most recognizable wartime coins. Cataloged under Wexler Variety ID 1943 1¢ WDDO-002, this Philadelphia Mint variety emerged from a production of 684,628,670 steel cents. The decision to replace copper with steel was driven by the War Production Board's determination that copper was essential for shell casings, wiring, and communications equipment. The zinc-coated steel composition created unique challenges for the Mint: the harder steel planchets wore dies faster than bronze, and the zinc coating was prone to corrosion that has left many surviving specimens with a dull gray or spotted appearance. Hub doubling on steel cents may present differently than on bronze issues, as the harder substrate could alter how displaced design elements appear on the finished coin. Identifying WDDO-002 requires examination of the obverse legends and date where misaligned hub impressions left their imprint on the working die.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1943 1¢ WDDO-002

External References