1945 (S) Lincoln Wheat Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006

Description

Die state progression plays an important role in identifying and attributing doubled die varieties on Lincoln Wheat Cents. A newly prepared die produces sharply detailed impressions with crisp doubling, but as the die strikes thousands of coins, wear gradually softens the design elements and can diminish the visibility of subtle hub doubling. Early die state specimens therefore command particular interest among attributors, who use them to establish the definitive characteristics of each variety. WDDO-006 from the 1945-S issue is the sixth doubled die obverse documented for San Francisco's wartime cent production of that year. The shell case alloy planchets — composed of recycled brass cartridge casings — respond to die impressions somewhat differently than standard bronze, and die wear patterns on shell case cent dies may develop at a different rate. Collectors examining 1945-S cents for this variety should focus on the obverse inscriptions and date under at least 5x magnification. Cataloged under Wexler Variety ID 1945-S 1¢ WDDO-006.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1945-S 1¢ WDDO-006

External References