1960 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-023

Description

Representing one of the most minimal doubled die obverse varieties cataloged on the 1960 proof Lincoln cent, WDDO-023 on the Proof Small Date displays a very close counterclockwise spread limited to the letters of IN GOD. The CCW rotational displacement is confined to just two words of the motto, and no significant die markers have been identified on either the obverse or the reverse, meaning attribution relies entirely on detecting the subtle counterclockwise shift under high magnification. The Small Date proof designation constrains the population to the approximately 3,000 impressions typical of an individual proof die's service life. Despite the close nature of the spread, this variety was accepted into the Wexler catalog as 1960 1¢ Pr WDDO-023, confirming that the doubling met the threshold for genuine hub doubling rather than mechanical doubling or die deterioration. Collectors should examine the letters of IN GOD under at least 16x magnification, looking for the characteristic CCW displacement where the secondary impression trails clockwise from the primary — a diagnostic that is easiest to detect on the serifs and curved strokes of the letters.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Gary F. Braswell Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1960 1¢ Pr WDDO-023
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References