1955 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-004

Description

Strong spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and the wheat ears defines DDR-004, a proof-only doubled die reverse on the 1955 Lincoln Wheat Cent that shares its obverse die with the famous DDO-004. Cross-referenced as FS-801 (Fivaz-Stanton designation FS-801/103), this variety holds recognition across multiple attribution systems as a significant proof variety. Die markers tracked under UVC-1843 and DMR-006 reveal three documented stages: Stage A with the reverse at Early Die State showing a die gouge on the upper collar and the obverse listed as DDO-004, Stage B with both reverse and obverse at Mid Die State, and Stage C with both sides at Late Die State. The DDO-004/DDR-004 die pairing creates a combined doubled die obverse and reversed die marriage that doubles the variety's collecting interest. The 1955 proof cent is an iconic date in numismatic history, as it also produced the legendary 1955 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO-001) that remains one of the most famous and valuable Lincoln Cent varieties. Philadelphia produced 378,200 proof sets in 1955, and the proof format provides mirror-field contrast that makes the strong spread on wheat ears and lettering particularly visible. Cataloged by VarietyVista, DDR-004 demonstrates that the 1955 proof cent production yielded multiple significant doubled die varieties beyond the celebrated DDO-001.

Die Markers

• UVC-1843
• DMR-006
• Stage A:
• Reverse is EDS
• Die gouge on upper collar – EDS
• Obverse is LISTED as DDO-004
• Stage B:
• Reverse and Obverse are MDS
• Stage C:
• Reverse and Obverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Hugh T. Campbell
• FS-801
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References