1957 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-005

Description

Tracked in the VarietyVista system under UVC-1899 and DMR-012, this fifth doubled die reverse for the 1957 Lincoln Wheat Cent proof displays strong spread across E PLURIBUS UNUM, the lower edges of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and both wheat ears — a comprehensive distribution of doubling that affects the majority of the reverse legend and design elements. Three die states document the variety's progression: Stage A captures the early die state that awaits confirmed specimens, Stage B exhibits a small die scratch running south from the lower left O of ONE with the obverse and reverse both showing mid-die-state wear, and Stage C records the late die state where both obverse and reverse display advanced deterioration. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint as a proof issue, the 1957 cent was produced on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies under controlled conditions that generate mirror-like fields and frosted design elements. The proof environment paradoxically makes doubled dies easier to detect: the pristine surfaces provide a clean background against which even subtle hub doubling stands out with clarity. The 1957 date occupies a position near the end of the Wheat Cent era — only one more year of production remained before Frank Gasparro's Lincoln Memorial reverse replaced Victor David Brenner's iconic wheat ears design in 1959. Five doubled die reverses documented for the 1957 proof issue reflects the thoroughness of research applied to these late-era proof Wheat Cents, where collectors and researchers have examined specimens with particular care given the approaching end of the design type.

Die Markers

• UVC-1899
• DMR-012
• Stage A:
• EDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage B:
• Small die scratch South from lower Left O of ONE – MDS
• Obverse is MDS
• Stage C:
• Reverse and Obverse are LDS

Attribution History

• Discovered by Unknown
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References