1944 (D) Lincoln Wheat Cent - Doubled Die Obverse DDO-010

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista, this 1944 Denver Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent exhibits a medium doubled die obverse with an extra eyelid spread to the south, one of the more visually distinctive diagnostics among DDO varieties as it creates a clearly doubled profile on Lincoln's eye. This variety is notable for spanning two separate die marriages: UVC-1169 with DMR-039 covers Stages A and B, while UVC-1203 with DMR-042 documents Stage C with a changed reverse die. Stage A is the early die state, Stage B shows a die crack over V.D.B. at mid-die state with the reverse in late die state, and Stage C displays a stronger die crack over V.D.B. in late die state paired with a fresh mid-die state reverse. The reverse die change between Stages B and C demonstrates how the Mint replaced a worn reverse die while continuing to use the same obverse, creating two distinct die marriages from a single obverse die. Struck in the shell-case alloy of 1944, these cents were produced from recycled brass shell casings during World War II, giving them a different composition from standard bronze Lincoln Cents. The Denver Mint's wartime production was substantial as demand for coinage surged during the economic expansion driven by wartime manufacturing.

Die Markers

• UVC-1169
• DMR-039
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die crack over V. D. B. – MDS
• Reverse is LDS
• UVC-1203
• DMR-042
• Stage C:
• Stronger die crack over V. D. B. – LDS
• Reverse die changed – MDS

External References