1944-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-034

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team, the 1944-D Lincoln Wheat Cent WDDO-034 displays a doubled die obverse manifesting as an extra eyelid below Lincoln's normal eyelid — a characteristic hub doubling effect where the secondary impression shifted just enough to create a distinct second line beneath the eye. Cross-referenced as CONECA 3-O-IV, this variety is classified as Class IV offset hub doubling in the CONECA system, where the entire hub was offset during the die-making impression rather than pivoted or distorted. A diagnostic die marker on the obverse — a short die gouge running northeast from the lower front of Lincoln's forehead — assists with attribution, while no significant reverse markers are noted. The 1944-D Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck at the Denver Mint using brass composition recycled from spent military shell casings — the wartime material substitution that replaced the standard 95% copper alloy used before and after the war years. As WDDO-034, this is the thirty-fourth documented doubled die obverse for the 1944-D date, reflecting the enormous production volume at the Denver Mint during the war years when cent output was particularly high to meet wartime economic demands. Extra eyelid varieties across the Lincoln Cent series attract collectors who appreciate the distinctive visual character of this particular doubling manifestation.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Marvin L. Young Cross References: CONECA: 3-O-IV
• CONECA: 3-O-IV; Wexler Variety ID: 1944-D 1¢ WDDO-034
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References