1961 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-010
Error
Description
Representing one of the subtlest entries in the 1961 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent doubled die reverse family, WDDR-010 is defined by an extremely close spread in a southwest direction on the upper portions of the U and N in UNITED. The extremely close classification indicates that the secondary hub impression sits so near the primary that the resulting doubling manifests as a slight shelf or thickening on the affected letters rather than as a clearly separated secondary outline. The southwest directionality of the spread narrows the displacement to just two letters in the upper reverse legend, making this a highly localized variety that demands careful examination under substantial magnification — typically 10x or higher — to detect reliably. Neither the obverse nor the reverse carries significant die markers, so the doubling on the UN of UNITED serves as the sole diagnostic criterion. Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1961 1¢ Pr WDDR-010 with no known cross-references to other attribution systems, this variety illustrates the extreme end of the subtlety spectrum within the doubled die classification. Proof surfaces do assist in detection, since the crisp letter edges produced by the Proof striking process make even minimal displacement more apparent than it would be on a business strike. Collectors who specialize in Proof Lincoln Memorial cent varieties regard ultra-close DDR varieties like WDDR-010 as challenging but rewarding targets that test their skill with magnification and lighting technique.
Attribution History
- Discovered by Lou Coles Cross References: None known
- None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1961 1¢ Pr WDDR-010
- Expert attribution by Wexler Team