1962 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-048

Description

Bearing a reassignment history that reflects the evolving understanding of 1962 cent die production, the Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-048 was previously listed as WDDO-055 before the discovery of four different doubled working hubs prompted a comprehensive renumbering of the entire 1962 WDDO series. Under its current designation, this proof variety displays an extremely close spread directed toward the rim, concentrated on the numeral 2 in the date. The "extremely close" intensity classification indicates that the secondary image sits very near the primary device — manifesting as a subtle thickening or faint shadow rather than a clearly separated doubled outline — which makes this challenging to confirm visually. Despite the difficulty of resolving the primary doubling, numerous north-south die scratches distributed throughout the bust area provide an abundance of supplementary identification features that can be used to confirm the die identity before attempting the demanding examination of the date spread. The variety carries the Wexler Variety ID 1962 1c Pr WDDO-048, with no additional cross-references currently documented. It was struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the 1962 proof production of 3,218,019 sets, the final proof issue in the original 95% copper alloy. Proof surfaces simultaneously aid and hinder the detection of extremely close spreads: the mirror-finish fields provide maximum contrast for resolving fine secondary outlines, but the same reflectivity generates optical interference that can mimic or obscure genuine doubling. Collectors should employ diffused lighting at 16x or greater magnification, focusing specifically on the curves and serifs of the 2 where even an extremely close spread will produce a detectable deviation from the expected single-impression profile.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Numerous die scratches run mostly N/S throughout the bust. Reverse: None significant.

Cross References

• None known Comments: This variety was previously listed as WDDO-055 but was reassigned to help fill the gaping holes in the listings that were created when four different doubled working hubs were identified.; Wexler Variety ID: 1962 1¢ Pr WDDO-048

External References