1961 Proof Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-007
Error
Description
Presenting a spread towards the center on UNITED, ONE CENT, and the designer's initials FG, the 1961 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDR-007 is a Class II distorted hub doubling variety that affects three key reverse design elements spanning the upper legend, central denomination, and lower monogram areas. The centripetal direction of the spread indicates that the secondary hub impression was displaced inward during die manufacture, shifting the overlapping image toward the coin's center. The breadth of affected elements — UNITED near the top of the reverse, ONE CENT at center, and FG near the bottom — suggests that the distortion event registered broadly across the die face rather than being confined to a single region. No significant obverse markers have been noted, but the reverse offers a particularly distinctive diagnostic: a small die gouge in the form of a dot positioned below the left side of the U in UNITED. This gouge dot, located in the upper reverse legend, is well separated from the primary doubling zones on ONE CENT and FG, providing a confirmation point that collectors can evaluate independently of the spread assessment. The Proof striking process ensures that both the centripetal doubling and the die gouge diagnostic are preserved with exceptional clarity on well-handled specimens. Collectors examining candidates should first locate the gouge dot below the U in UNITED as a quick screening step, then proceed to evaluate the centripetal spread on all three affected inscription areas under magnification of at least 7x.
Die Markers
- Obverse: None significant. Reverse: A small die gouge (dot) can be found below the left side of the U in UNITED.
Attribution History
- Discovered by Wexler Team