1961 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-026

Description

Closing the documented doubled die reverse sequence for coins bearing Wexler cross-reference designations, the 1961 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDR-026 exhibits a strong Class VI spread towards the center on ONE CENT and the designer's initials FG, accompanied by a closer spread on USA and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The Class VI classification indicates design-element distortion — a type of hub doubling that manifests as extra thickness or displacement of the design elements themselves rather than the classic separated secondary image seen in other classes. The dual-intensity spread, with strong displacement on ONE CENT and FG but closer displacement on USA and EPU, suggests that the hub distortion was more pronounced in the lower-center portion of the die face and diminished towards the upper inscriptions. On the obverse, a short vertical die scratch to the left of the bottom of the I in IN serves as a quick screening marker. The reverse carries a particularly detailed set of diagnostics: a small die gouge above and between the I and B of PLURIBUS, a short vertical die scratch inside the top of the first Memorial bay, two parallel die scratches running from SSW to NNE also at the top of the first bay, and several vertical die scratches inside the last Memorial bay. This concentration of die markers within the Memorial bays gives collectors multiple confirmation points clustered in the architectural interior of Gasparro's reverse design. Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1961 1¢ Pr WDDR-026 with no known cross-references, this variety's strong Class VI character and abundant die markers make it a rewarding attribution target.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Ribar Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1961 1¢ Pr WDDR-026
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References