1961 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent - Proof Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-025

Description

WDDR-025 carries a very strong Class II spread towards the center across a remarkably broad array of reverse design elements. The centripetal displacement registers on the letters of USA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, the separator dots, the designer's initials FG, the letters of ONE CENT, and both sides of the Memorial building — an almost comprehensive coverage of Frank Gasparro's reverse design. The classification as "very strong" places the spread at the widest end of the Wexler scale, meaning the secondary image should be discernible at 3x to 5x magnification or even with the unaided eye under favorable lighting conditions. Such pronounced inward displacement across so many design elements indicates a substantial misregistration between successive hub impressions during die manufacture at the Philadelphia Mint. No obverse markers have been noted, but the reverse provides four independent diagnostics: a die scratch on the left base of the Memorial under the first column, a die scratch on the lower left corner of the E in CENT, a small die gouge on the lower right of the N in CENT, and a vertical die scratch in the upper first Memorial bay. These four markers, distributed across the lower inscription and the Memorial structure, offer collectors a robust multi-point confirmation system that complements the immediately visible very strong centripetal spread.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted. Reverse: A die scratch can be found on the left base of the Memorial under the 1st column. A die scratch can be found on the lower left corner of the E in CENT. A small die gouge can be found on the lower right N of CENT. A vertical die scratch can be found in the upper 1st Memorial bay.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1961 1¢ Pr WDDR-025

External References