1946-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

The 1946-D DDO-003 is a doubled die obverse variety on the Denver Mint Lincoln Wheat Cent, cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-1728 with die-marriage reference DMR-024. The obverse shows a light extra eyelid to the north of Lincoln's primary eyelid — a subtle but diagnostic doubling feature. Notably, the reverse die used in this marriage is itself a doubled die, listed as DDR-003, making this a paired variety with hub doubling present on both sides of the coin. Collectors who locate DDO-003 therefore also possess a doubled die reverse, enhancing the variety's appeal. Three die stages have been tracked: Stage A remains unconfirmed. Stage B, the mid-die state, reveals two curved die scratches running southeast from ER of LIBERTY to the lower bust, with light die scratches east-west through UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on the reverse. Stage C remains unconfirmed. The mid-die state scratches provide reliable secondary diagnostics beyond the doubled eyelid. The 1946-D Lincoln Cent was produced as part of the postwar ramp-up at Denver, and generous mintage ensures variety hunters have substantial populations to search for this paired doubled die.

Die Markers

• UVC-1728
• DMR-024
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Two curved die scratches Southeast from ER of LIBERTY to lower bust – MDS
• Reverse is LISTED as DDR-003 – MDS
• Light die scratches East-West through UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by William McMurray
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References