1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1956 1-cent Proof WDDR-006 and cross-referenced as CONECA 4-R-IV+VIII and Coppercoins 1956P-1DR-002P, this proof Lincoln Wheat Cent doubled die reverse displays a strong spread to the north on an extensive array of reverse elements. The affected areas include the letters of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, both lower wheat ears and stems, the lower letters of CENT, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and both dots flanking ONE CENT — essentially covering most of the reverse inscription and design elements. The strong intensity classification on such a comprehensive spread makes this one of the more dramatic proof doubled die reverses in the Lincoln Wheat Cent series. The CONECA cross-reference 4-R-IV+VIII identifies this as the fourth reverse variety combining Class IV (offset hub doubling) and Class VIII characteristics. Obverse die markers include a die gouge in Lincoln's hair at the top of the head below the W in WE. The reverse carries a die gouge (appearing as a dot) between the centers of the I and B in PLURIBUS. As a proof issue, this coin was struck on specially polished planchets at the Philadelphia Mint with mirror-finish dies, and the reflective proof surfaces amplify the visibility of the northward spread on all affected elements. The 1956 proof cent was produced as part of the annual proof set in 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc composition, weighing 3.11 grams at 19.05 mm diameter. The proof designation (noted by the "Pr" in the Wexler ID) means this variety appears exclusively on coins purchased through proof sets, not in circulation-strike production. First reported by Delma K. Romines, this variety demonstrates the strong spread best on the wheat ear stems.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Delma K. Romines Cross References: CONECA: 4-R-IV+VIII, Coppercoins: 1956P-1DR-002P
• CONECA: 4-R-IV+VIII, Coppercoins: 1956P-1DR-002P; Wexler Variety ID: 1956 1¢ Pr WDDR-006
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References