1948 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

The 1948 WDDR-001 Lincoln Wheat cent is classified as CONECA 1-R-VI, identifying it as a Class VI Distended Hub Doubling variety, one of the most uncommon doubling mechanisms in the die-manufacturing process. Rather than producing the lateral spread typical of rotated or pivoted hub doubling, Class VI creates extra thickness on the affected design elements as hub metal physically distends during impression. On this variety, strong extra thickness is visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM, the dots flanking the motto, both wheat ears, and both wheat stems, making for an unusually comprehensive display of distended-hub effects across the entire reverse. Specific die markers have not yet been documented, as a higher-grade specimen is needed for full die-state analysis. Class VI doubled dies are genuinely rare across all denominations and dates, making WDDR-001 a significant cataloging entry for the 1948 Lincoln cent. The strong extra thickness on multiple design elements distinguishes this from lighter Class VI varieties where the effect may be limited to one or two features.

Attribution History

• Discovered by William Slaughter Cross References: CONECA: 1-R-VI
• CONECA: 1-R-VI; Wexler Variety ID: 1948 1¢ WDDR-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References