1955 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Arguably the most recognized error coin in American numismatics, the 1955 Lincoln Wheat Cent DDO-001 displays dramatic hub doubling so pronounced it is visible to the naked eye — a rarity among die varieties. Very strong spread affects LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, the eye, the bowtie, and the vest, with each element showing bold secondary images that leave no ambiguity about the doubling. Cross-referenced as FS-101 (Cherrypickers designation 21.8), this variety became a sensation when coins began surfacing in circulation and collectors realized what they held. Die markers include UVC-1840 and DMR-003. At Stage A (early die state), a die scratch runs south from the inner left crossbar of the T in CENT on the reverse; Stage B is mid-die state (unconfirmed); Stage C is late die state (unconfirmed). The story of the 1955 DDO's discovery electrified the hobby and transformed error coin collecting from a niche pursuit into a mainstream segment of numismatics, establishing the standard by which all subsequent doubled dies are measured.

Die Markers

• UVC-1840
• DMR-003
• Stage A:
• Obverse is EDS
• Die scratch South from inner Left crossbar of the T of CENT – EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Unknown
• FS-101
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References