1961 Proof Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-004

Description

An exercise in subtlety within the 1961 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent DDR family, the Proof WDDR-004 is defined by an extremely close spread that appears as notches on the upper letters of OF AMERICA. The term "extremely close" in doubled die terminology denotes a secondary hub impression positioned so near the primary that the resulting displacement manifests not as a clearly separated secondary outline but rather as a notched or shelf-like distortion on the affected letter edges. On the upper portions of the OF AMERICA letters, these notches appear at the serif terminals and crossbar ends, where the primary and secondary impressions overlap with only the slightest visible offset. This type of ultra-close doubling sits at the limit of detection for standard magnification, and collectors typically require at least 10x to 12x power with carefully directed oblique lighting to resolve the notching reliably. Neither the obverse nor the reverse carries significant die markers, leaving the notching pattern on OF AMERICA as the sole diagnostic criterion for this variety. The Proof format provides some assistance in detection, since the deeply mirrored fields and the crisp, fully defined letter edges produced by the Proof striking process render even minimal design displacement more visible than it would appear on a corresponding business strike. Collectors who specialize in the challenging end of the attribution spectrum will find WDDR-004 a demanding but rewarding target that tests their magnification technique and lighting discipline.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None significant. Reverse: None significant.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References