1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-017
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Description
Set apart from its fellow doubled-eyelid varieties by a distinctive obverse die feature, the 1962 Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-017 exhibits the characteristic extra eyelid below Lincoln's normal eyelid while carrying an unusual identifying marker: die scratches that form an X pattern just to the right of Lincoln's lips. This X-shaped intersection of two crossing scratches is an immediately recognizable diagnostic, far more distinctive than the generic parallel scratches that mark many neighboring varieties, and it provides a reliable means of confirming the specific die even before the collector turns to the more challenging task of verifying the doubled eyelid. In addition to the lip-area X, numerous other die scratches appear throughout the obverse, suggesting a die that underwent extensive surface contact during its working life or during die preparation. The reverse contributes its own identification marker: a small die gouge positioned to the right of the first A in AMERICA, a discrete feature that can be examined independently to cross-confirm the die marriage. As with all doubled-eyelid Lincoln cent varieties, the primary doubling feature on WDDO-017 demands magnification of at least 10x and preferably 16x to resolve clearly, as the eyelid engraving is among the finest detail elements on Victor David Brenner's portrait and occupies a very small area of the coin's surface. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1962 — the last year of the 95% copper alloy — this variety circulated alongside hundreds of millions of its undoubled counterparts, with the doubled eyelid and distinctive X scratch patiently awaiting discovery by attentive variety specialists.
Die Markers
- Obverse: Die scratches form an X just to the right of the lips. Numerous other die scratches can be found throughout the obverse. Reverse: A small die gouge can be found to the right of the first A in AMERICA.
Attribution History
- Discovered by Wexler Team