1954 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002

Description

A proof variety from the Philadelphia Mint, the 1954 Lincoln Wheat Cent DDR-002 displays light spread on E PLURIBUS, the left wheat ear, and the stem — design elements on the reverse that show subtle secondary impressions from hub doubling. Cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-1825 with die marriage reference DMR-004, this variety features an unusually detailed three-stage progression with die-state-specific markers: Stage A at early die state shows a small die gouge on the lower N of CENT while the obverse is at mid-die state, Stage B at mid-die state develops a die gouge west of the E in E PLURIBUS UNUM while the obverse advances to late die state, and Stage C in late die state remains unconfirmed. The stage-specific die gouges provide a precise dating system for individual specimens — the N gouge indicates early state while the E gouge confirms mid-state, and the obverse die state runs ahead of the reverse through the progression. The 1954 Proof Lincoln Wheat Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint for inclusion in annual proof sets, and proof specimens provide optimal conditions for evaluating light-spread doubled die varieties. The detailed stage progression documented here offers collectors the rare opportunity to date their specimen within the die's working life using diagnostic marker appearance.

Die Markers

• UVC-1825
• DMR-004
• Stage A:
• Small die gouge on lower N of CENT – EDS
• Obverse is MDS
• Stage B:
• Die gouge West of E of E PLURIBUS UNUM – MDS
• Obverse is LDS
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References