1962 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006

Description

Rated as a strong Class II variety, the 1962 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-006 displays distorted hub doubling directed toward the rim, with the resulting displacement visible on the date and the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST. Class II in the Wexler classification system designates a specific type of hub displacement in which the secondary impression was expanded or compressed relative to the primary image, producing a distortion pattern rather than a simple linear or rotational shift. The "strong" intensity rating means the secondary images are well separated from the primary devices, making them accessible under standard magnification on the high-contrast proof surface without requiring the exacting lighting protocols demanded by subtler varieties. The outward spread toward the rim pushes the secondary outlines away from the center, and the involvement of both the date at the lower right and the motto at the upper right indicates that the distortion affected a broad angular sweep of the obverse. This variety shows early die state characteristics on the obverse, and the reverse carries a die gouge on the Memorial roof north of the third Memorial column — a marker that provides a convenient screening checkpoint before proceeding to the more demanding examination of the obverse doubling. Proof dies at the Philadelphia Mint were specially polished before use and operated under elevated striking pressure, with each die typically producing approximately 3,000 impressions before retirement. This constrained die life means that the surviving population of WDDO-006 represents only a small fraction of the 3,218,019 proof sets struck in 1962, the final year of the original 95% copper alloy proof Lincoln cent production. The combination of strong doubling intensity and clear Class II distortion characteristics makes this one of the more readily identifiable proof doubled die obverse varieties for the date.

Die Markers

• Obverse: EDS. None significant. Reverse: A die gouge can be found on the roof north of the 3rd Memorial column.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References