1961 (D) Lincoln Memorial Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

WDDO-003 is not merely a doubled die obverse — it is also an RPM variety, cross-listed in the Wexler RPM Files as 1961-D 1¢ WRPM-058, a D/D South repunched mintmark. The primary doubling manifests as an extra eyelid below Lincoln's normal eyelid, a subtle but diagnostically significant feature that places the hub misalignment squarely in the portrait detail zone. The die's history is documented across three distinct stages on each side, revealing a progressively deteriorating die that saw extensive service. On the obverse, Stage A shows the die in early die state with the RPM feature (D/D South) visible. Stage B introduces a strong die scratch running north-northeast from the top of the chin through the tip of the nose, along with die scratches running northeast from the top of the R and T in LIBERTY and numerous additional scratches throughout the obverse. By Stage C, the Stage B die scratches have become very weak or have disappeared entirely, indicating significant die polishing or continued wear. The reverse tells a parallel story: Stage A shows a short vertical die gouge to the left of the lower T in CENT. Stage B adds die scratches running southeast from the F in OF, remnants of a die clash in the lower third Memorial bay, and numerous other scratches across the reverse. Stage C finds the Stage B markers extremely weak or missing, while the die clash remnants in the lower third bay have evolved to suggest a second clash event occurred.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1961-D 1¢ WDDO-003

External References