1947 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1947 1c WDDO-008 and cross-referenced as CONECA 3-O-IV, this Lincoln Wheat Cent variety presents an unusual portrait-detail doubling: two extra eyelids appear below the normal eyelid on Lincoln's profile. Eyelid doubling is among the most visually distinctive forms of doubled die varieties on Lincoln Cents, as the human eye is naturally drawn to facial features, and the presence of multiple eyelid ridges creates an immediately recognizable diagnostic that sets this variety apart from the more common inscription-only doubled die types. The Class IV CONECA designation indicates an offset hub doubling mechanism. Obverse die markers include a die scratch running north to south below the front of Lincoln's chin, along with numerous rotational die scratches throughout the obverse. The reverse carries its own diagnostic features: a die scratch twists southwest from the bottom of the second T in STATES through the C in AMERICA, with additional die scratches distributed throughout the reverse surface. The density of rotational die scratches on the obverse — described as "numerous" and found "throughout" — suggests significant die surface interaction, possibly from die polishing or resurfacing work. The 1947 Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in the standard bronze alloy (95% copper, 5% tin and zinc) at 3.11 grams and 19 mm diameter. Victor David Brenner's Lincoln portrait, with its finely detailed facial features including the eye and brow area where the doubled eyelids manifest, provides the design context for this portrait-focused variety that rewards careful examination of Lincoln's profile under magnification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Ribar Cross References: CONECA: 3-O-IV
• CONECA: 3-O-IV; Wexler Variety ID: 1947 1¢ WDDO-008
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References