1960 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-012
Error
Description
Cataloged on the 1960 Lincoln Memorial Cent Proof Large Date, WDDO-012 is a doubled die obverse variety attributed by the Wexler Team as 1960 1¢ Pr WDDO-012. During the die manufacturing process at the Philadelphia Mint, a misalignment between successive hub impressions imparted visible doubling onto the obverse design elements of this proof die. The proof strike format means each coin from this die was produced using polished dies on specially prepared planchets, yielding the mirror-like fields and frosted devices characteristic of proof Lincoln Memorial cents. The Large Date hub, identified by the taller 1 digit and lower-sitting 0 in the date, places this die in the earlier proof production phase before the mid-year transition to the redesigned Small Date numerals. No significant die markers were identified on either the obverse or reverse, meaning collectors must rely on detecting the hub doubling itself and confirming the Large Date designation to attribute this variety. With proof dies typically retired after approximately 3,000 impressions, the total number of coins carrying this doubling is tightly bounded. The reflective proof surface can aid detection, as mirror-like fields provide enhanced contrast against any displaced design elements. No other cross-references have been assigned.
Die Markers
- Obverse: Large Date. None significant. Reverse: None significant.
Attribution History
- Discovered by Wexler Team