1957 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006

Description

One of the final proof doubled die varieties from the Lincoln Wheat Cent series, the 1957 WDDR-006 exhibits a Class II spread towards the center on both wheat ears and stems, E PLURIBUS UNUM, the dots flanking the motto, and OF AMERICA. Cross-referenced as CONECA 5-R-II under Wexler Variety ID 1957 1' Pr WDDR-006, this proof reverse doubled die preserves the sharp, mirror-finish detail characteristic of 1950s Philadelphia proof production. On the reverse, a short die scratch can be found near the rim just below the top of the left wheat stem, and a die gouge can be found to the right of the top of the M in UNUM. No significant obverse die markers were noted. The 1957 date holds particular significance as the penultimate year of the Wheat Cent reverse, which had been in continuous production since 1909 and would be replaced by Frank Gasparro's Lincoln Memorial design in 1959. Proof doubled dies from the final Wheat Cent years are prized both for the iconic design they carry and for the reflective surfaces that make the Class II spread readily visible under examination.

Attribution History

• Discovered by David Bigelow Cross References: CONECA: 5-R-II
• CONECA: 5-R-II; Wexler Variety ID: 1957 1¢ Pr WDDR-006
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References