1943 (S) Lincoln Wheat Cent - Doubled Die Reverse DDR-005

Description

Cataloged as UVC-3379, DMR-019, this 1943 San Francisco Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck on zinc-coated steel planchets as part of the wartime metal conservation program. DDR-005 shows extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM, the dots between words, both wheat ears and stems, and the upper edges of ONE. Stage A is documented with the reverse in Early Die State accompanied by a die crack across the shoulder to the rim at K-7 in Early to Mid Die State, plus a die crack running down the lapel. Stage B is Mid Die State (unconfirmed), and Stage C is Late Die State (unconfirmed). The extra thickness on the lettering and wheat ear details represents a subtle but consistent form of hub doubling where the secondary impression closely overlaps the primary design. The shoulder-to-rim die crack at K-7 on Stage A specimens provides an excellent secondary diagnostic for confirming this variety. Steel cents from San Francisco are already sought after for their lower relative mintage, and DDR-005 adds die variety appeal to the wartime issue.

Die Markers

• UVC-3379
• DMR-019
• Stage A:
• Reverse is EDS
• Die crack across shoulder to rim at K-7 – EMDS
• Die crack down lapel
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

External References