1956 (D) Lincoln Wheat Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-020

Description

Examining obverse inscriptions under magnification is the cornerstone of doubled die identification on Lincoln Wheat Cents. The letters of LIBERTY, positioned to the left of Lincoln's portrait, offer bold vertical and diagonal strokes where even minor doubling can be detected. IN GOD WE TRUST, rendered in smaller lettering above the portrait, requires higher magnification but can reveal fine separation between primary and secondary impressions. The date digits to the right provide a third diagnostic zone, and the VDB initials on Lincoln's shoulder truncation — restored in 1918 after their controversial removal in 1909 — offer yet another checkpoint. WDDO-020 is the twentieth doubled die obverse variety recorded for the 1956-D issue, continuing the systematic documentation of Denver's prolific die production during this peak year of Wheat Cent coinage. A quality loupe of 7x to 10x magnification is the minimum tool recommended for initial screening. Cataloged under Wexler Variety ID 1956-D 1¢ WDDO-020.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1956-D 1¢ WDDO-020

External References