1962 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent - Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-049

Description

Bolstered by a rich set of die markers on both sides, the 1962 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-049 displays a strong Class V clockwise spread from a pivot point at approximately 9 o'clock, with the resulting displacement visible on the date and the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST. Class V designates pivoted hub doubling in the Wexler system, where the working hub rotated around an off-center axis, and the clockwise direction from a left-rim pivot projects progressively greater angular displacement onto elements in the right side and center of the obverse — precisely where the date and motto reside. Obverse die markers include a strong die gouge extending west-northwest from the rim to the right of the B in the designer's initials, along with two parallel scratches running south-southwest to north-northeast left of the upper eye. These obverse features are readily visible at moderate magnification and serve as reliable identification anchors. On the reverse, a die gouge appears between the bushes on the right side of the Memorial base, and a short die gouge runs south-southwest from the lower left of the N in CENT. The four combined markers — two obverse, two reverse — provide a comprehensive fingerprint for this die pair. The 1962 date marks the final proof Lincoln cent struck in the original 95% copper alloy.

Die Markers

• Obverse: A strong die gouge extends WNW from the rim to the right of the B in the designer’s initials. Two nearly parallel die scratches run from SSW to NNE to the left of the upper eye. Reverse: A die gouge can be found between two of the bushes on the right base of the Memorial. A short die gouge runs SSW from the lower left of the N in CENT.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1962 1¢ Pr WDDO-049

External References