1961 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent - Proof Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-026

Description

WDDR-026, a 1961 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent doubled die reverse, presents 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 dual-intensity character of this variety — strong on the lower inscription and monogram, closer on the upper inscription and motto — indicates a distorted hub doubling event whose centripetal displacement varied in magnitude across different zones of the die face, with the strongest displacement concentrated in the lower reverse. The obverse carries a single diagnostic: a short vertical die scratch to the left of the bottom of the I in IN. The reverse, however, presents a notably dense cluster of markers: 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 south-southwest to north-northeast also at the top of the first bay, and several vertical die scratches inside the last Memorial bay. This concentration of scratches and gouges in and around the Memorial bays makes the reverse die readily identifiable even before examining the doubling itself.

Die Markers

• Obverse: A short, vertical die scratch can be found to the left of the bottom of the I of IN. Reverse: A small die gouge can be found above and between the I and B of PLURIBUS. A short, vertical die scratch can be found inside the top of the 1st Memorial bay. Two parallel die scratches running from SSW to NNE can also be found at the top of the 1st bay. Several vertical die scratches can be found inside the last Memorial bay.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1961 1¢ Pr WDDR-026

External References