1957 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-004

Description

Among the final proof-only doubled die reverses in the Lincoln Wheat Cent series, the 1957 DDR-004 displays a medium spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM, both wheat ears, and the stems — a broad distribution of doubling across multiple reverse elements cataloged by VarietyVista as UVC-1898 with die marriage reference DMR-011. The die state documentation identifies three stages: Stage A is unconfirmed in early die state, Stage B at mid-die state is characterized by die scratches on the rim spanning from the E of E PLURIBUS UNUM to the left wheat ear with the obverse also showing MDS characteristics, and Stage C reveals both reverse and obverse in late die state. The rim-area die scratches in Stage B provide a reliable diagnostic for mid-state attribution, as their specific location between the EPU inscription and the wheat ear narrows identification to this particular die. The 1957 date is the penultimate year for proof Lincoln Wheat Cents — the 1958 proof would be the last — making doubled die varieties from these terminal years the final expressions of hub doubling on a reverse design that had been in continuous production since 1909. Proof specimens with visible doubling on both wheat ears allow collectors to observe the bilateral symmetry (or asymmetry) of hub displacement across matched design elements.

Die Markers

• UVC-1898
• DMR-011
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Die scratches on rim from E of EPU to Left Wheat – MDS
• Obverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• Reverse and Obverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by James Wiles
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References