1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-034

Description

Documented in the Wexler catalog as a regular-strike doubled die obverse variety, the 1962 Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-034 is accompanied by a set of distinctive die markers that assist in its identification even when the doubling characteristics prove challenging to isolate under initial examination. On the obverse, parallel scratches run from southwest to northeast below the GO in GOD, creating a paired-line pattern that is readily visible at moderate magnification and serves as a reliable first-pass screening indicator. The reverse carries a short vertical die gouge positioned left of the U in UNITED, providing an additional confirmation point accessible from the coin's back side. These die markers are especially valuable in the context of 1962 cent variety attribution, because the discovery of four different doubled working hubs for this date means many WDDO varieties share similar doubling characteristics inherited from a common hub, making the individual die's unique markers the most reliable means of distinguishing one variety from another. Collectors approaching 1962 cent variety identification should adopt a two-stage methodology: first screening for die markers to narrow the candidate pool, then confirming the doubling specifics under higher magnification to finalize the attribution. WDDO-034 was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the year's business-strike production exceeding 606 million cents — the last issue in the original 95% copper alloy before tin was removed from the composition. The obverse was designed by Victor David Brenner and the reverse by Frank Gasparro, whose Lincoln Memorial design served the denomination from 1959 through 2008.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Parallel die scratches run SW/NE below the GO in GOD. Other die scratches can be found throughout the obverse. Reverse: A short vertical die gouge can be found to the left of the U in UNITED.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References