1946 Lincoln Wheat Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009

Description

Bearing the attribution Wexler Variety ID: 1946 1¢ WDDO-009, this Philadelphia-mint doubled die obverse represents one facet of a remarkably deep variety census for the 1946 cent. The research community has identified over thirty distinct DDO varieties for this date and mint — a volume that speaks to both the enormous output and the methodical scrutiny applied by generations of researchers. Hub doubling arises during die-making and is classified into eight categories. Class I involves rotation between impressions, Class IV involves lateral offset, and each produces a distinct visual signature. Philadelphia's 991,655,000-piece mintage necessitated prodigious die consumption, and rapid post-war production created conditions favorable to hubbing errors. The shell-case brass composition — 95% copper, 5% zinc, reclaimed from military cartridge cases — gave these cents their material identity as transitional issues. For collectors developing attribution skills, the 1946 cent offers an ideal training ground: the large surviving population ensures availability, while numerous documented varieties provide ample opportunity to practice identifying genuine hub doubling under magnification.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1946 1¢ WDDO-009

External References