1949 (S) Lincoln Wheat Cent - Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

Description

Documented by VarietyVista with die markers UVC-2563 and DMR-015, this 1949-S Lincoln Wheat Cent DDO-003 displays medium spread on 194 of the date with a distinctive blunt top 4 over a pointed top 4 — a feature indicating two hub impressions whose 4s differed in shape, leaving a composite numeral where characteristics of both remain visible. The blunt-over-pointed 4 is diagnostically significant because it provides a clear, unambiguous marker that distinguishes this die from others in the 1949-S series. Three documented die stages track this die's production: Stage A shows the mintmark slightly high and rotated counterclockwise with the reverse at MDS; Stage B shows both obverse and reverse at MDS; and Stage C documents both dies at LDS. The mintmark positioning — slightly high and rotated CCW — serves as an additional attribution point specific to Stage A, though this feature may become less distinct in later stages as die wear progresses. The Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1949, produced in the standard bronze composition of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc at 3.11 grams with a 19.05 mm diameter. Victor David Brenner designed the obverse portrait while the wheat ears reverse design served from 1909 through 1958. The 1949-S had a relatively modest mintage compared to Philadelphia and Denver output, making San Francisco varieties of this era somewhat scarcer in the marketplace. The date spread affecting three of the four digits — with the fourth digit showing the even more interesting punch-over-punch feature — makes this a variety with multiple diagnostic dimensions for the attribution-focused collector.

Die Markers

• UVC-2563
• DMR-015
• Stage A:
• Mintmark is slightly high and rotated CCW – MDS
• Reverse is MDS
• Stage B:
• Obverse and Reverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Obverse and Reverse are LDS

External References