1944 (D) Lincoln Wheat Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-027

Description

Among the most visually striking doubled dies cataloged for the 1944-D Lincoln Wheat Cent, the WDDO-027 displays very strong Class VI extra thickness on the date numerals, with additional thickening visible on LIBERT and IN GOD WE TRUST. Class VI doubling — sometimes called distorted hub doubling — produces extra thickness rather than the clear separation seen in pivoted or rotated hub varieties, making affected design elements appear bolder and heavier than normal. The obverse die carries a significant diagnostic marker: a strong die crack running northeast from the hair above Lincoln's ear toward the hair below the E in WE, indicating the die developed structural stress during its service life. The reverse is described as VLDS — very late die state — showing extreme deterioration that further narrows the window for attribution. The combination of strong doubling, a prominent die crack, and a reverse in very late die state suggests this die was used well past the point where it would normally have been retired, producing increasingly distinctive coins toward the end of its service.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1944-D 1¢ WDDO-027

External References