1944-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Second cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1944-S Lincoln Wheat Cent, DDO-002 shows light extra thickness on the date and LIBERTY. VarietyVista assigns UVC-1646 and DMR-014, with the mintmark style classified as MMS-005, characterized by straight serifs on the S mintmark. An unusual staging characteristic sets this variety apart: Stage A shows the obverse in Early Die State while the reverse appears in Late Die State simultaneously, indicating the reverse die experienced heavier wear before being paired with this relatively fresh obverse. Such mismatched die states occur when the Mint pairs a new obverse with a veteran reverse during routine die changes, providing insight into San Francisco's wartime die management. The 1944-S cent was struck on shell-case bronze planchets — recycled ammunition brass with a slightly different alloy than the pre-war standard — as production returned from 1943's steel composition. Brenner's portrait and wheat ear reverse appeared on 19mm planchets. Examine the date and LIBERTY for the light extra thickness, and verify the straight-serif S mintmark.

Die Markers

• UVC-1646
• DMR-014
• Stage A:
• Obverse is EDS
• Reverse is LDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References