1948-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Bearing one of the most visually distinctive diagnostics in Lincoln Cent variety collecting, the 1948-S WDDO-003 displays an extra eyelid below Lincoln's normal eyelid — a doubled outline created by hub doubling that manifests as a second, lower eyelid line beneath the original. This "extra eyelid" diagnostic is immediately recognizable because the doubling occurs on a focal point of Brenner's portrait: Lincoln's eye draws natural attention, and a second eyelid line below the first is unmistakable once located. Cataloged by the Wexler Team as the third doubled die obverse for the 1948-S, this variety has no known cross-references, making the Wexler designation the sole published attribution. A higher-grade specimen is needed to fully document supplementary die markers. The 1948-S was struck at San Francisco on 95% copper planchets at 19mm during the post-war era. The Wheat Cent design was approaching its fortieth year, with Lincoln's portrait anchoring one of American numismatics' longest-running series. Examine Lincoln's eye under magnification for the extra eyelid line below the normal lid — the defining characteristic of this variety.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill Wilson Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1948-S 1¢ WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References