1962 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-021

Description

Sharing a distinction with WDDO-007 as one of only two dual doubled die entries in the 1962 Lincoln Memorial Cent proof catalog, WDDO-021 pairs an obverse doubled die with a reverse that is itself a recognized doubled die — Wexler designation WDDR-061. The obverse exhibits a very close spread directed toward the rim on the date, meaning the secondary hub impression is displaced outward but by only a small margin, producing doubling that is tight against the primary image and requires careful magnification to resolve. On the reverse, WDDR-061 displays its own doubling on the bottoms of the letters in ONE CENT, adding a second attributable error to every specimen struck from this die pair. Carrying the Wexler Variety ID 1962 1¢ Pr WDDO-021, this proof variety was struck at the Philadelphia Mint from specially prepared dies, with the proof striking process delivering the mirror fields and frosted devices that provide optimal contrast for detecting the tight obverse date spread. The very close classification means that the secondary date image sits almost atop the primary, manifesting as a subtle thickening or blurring rather than a clearly separated double image, and collectors should examine the date digits at 16x or higher under diffused lighting to minimize the reflective interference of the proof surface. The reverse doubling on the bottoms of ONE CENT may be somewhat more accessible, as the letter bases occupy a broader area and the displacement produces visible irregularity along the lower edges of the inscription.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None significant. Reverse: The reverse is a doubled die listed in the Wexler Doubled Die Files as

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1962 1¢ Pr WDDO-021

External References