1944-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-025

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team, this 1944-D Lincoln Wheat Cent exhibits an extremely strong Class VI extra thickness on the date, LIBERTY, and to a lesser degree on IN GOD WE TRUST. Class VI doubling, also called distended hub doubling, produces a thickened or bloated appearance to the affected design elements rather than a clearly separated secondary image, and the extreme strength on WDDO-025 makes the date and LIBERTY appear noticeably bolder than normal. The D mintmark is set lower than on WDDO-001, providing a reliable distinguishing feature between the two varieties. A die crack through the hair and forehead serves as an obverse die marker. Struck in shell-case copper composition, the special alloy used for 1944-1946 Lincoln Cents made from recycled spent ammunition cartridge brass, giving these cents a slightly different color tone than standard pre-war or post-war issues. The 1944-D had a mintage exceeding 430 million pieces, yet the extremely strong Class VI doubling on WDDO-025 makes it a standout variety within the wartime Lincoln Cent issues. The bold extra thickness effect is visible even at lower magnification. Reverse: A short die scratch runs SW from the upper left 1st T in STATES. A short die scratch runs WSW from the upper left R in AMERICA.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill Wilson (Upgraded by John A. Conway) Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1944-D 1¢ WDDO-025
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References