1962 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-026

Description

Designated DDO-026 under die markers UVC-2052 and DMR-050, this 1962 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent variety presents a medium spread on the date that places it among the moderately visible doubled die obverse entries in the proof catalog. Medium spread proof doubled dies occupy a practical sweet spot for collectors: they offer enough visible doubling to provide a satisfying attribution experience without demanding the extreme magnification and perfect lighting conditions that light spread varieties require. The date numerals on Lincoln cents — particularly the tall vertical strokes of the 1 and the curved elements of the 9, 6, and 2 — serve as sensitive indicators of hub displacement because their precise geometry makes even moderate offsets legible as doubled contours. DDO-026 was produced as part of the Philadelphia Mint's 1962 proof program, where each cent was struck at least twice by polished dies on a polished planchet, creating the sharp, high-contrast surfaces that define the proof format. Among the extensive run of 1962 proof DDO varieties, entries in the medium-spread category like DDO-026 tend to generate the most active collector interest because they balance detectability with the detective-work appeal of variety attribution — they are accessible enough to confirm with standard equipment but require genuine skill and attention to distinguish from the numerous neighboring varieties that share a similar general description.

Die Markers

• UVC-2052; DMR-050

External References