1963-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007

Description

Distinguished by an extensive array of die markers on both obverse and reverse, the 1963-D Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-007 is among the more readily attributable doubled die varieties in the series thanks to the number and specificity of its identifying features. On the obverse, a diagonal gouge appears below the E in LIBERTY, a die gouge forming a visible dot sits to the left of the upper portion of the W in WE, a gouge extends from the front curl of Lincoln's hair, a strong scratch runs ESE from the lower nose, and another gouge lies to the SE of the lower lip — five distinct markers that together create an unmistakable die signature. The reverse carries its own complement of features: a horizontal scratch extends from under the Memorial above the O in ONE, a gouge marks the lower upright of the E in ONE, and two E/W scratches pass through the upper portion of the E in ONE. This wealth of marker data reflects the comprehensive documentation practices of modern die-variety attribution, where each die's individual history of manufacture, handling, and service leaves behind a unique set of surface features as reliable as a fingerprint. The Denver Mint struck 1,774,020,400 cents in 1963, consuming die pairs at a rate that made each working die a short-lived production tool — yet the markers accumulated during that brief service life are precisely what allows attribution decades later. For collectors, the practical benefit of such thorough marker documentation is straightforward: a candidate coin can be checked against multiple independent reference points on both sides, reducing the chance of misattribution to a neighboring WDDO variety that might share a similar doubling spread but different die-specific features. Examination under 10x or greater magnification is recommended to resolve the gouge and scratch details with confidence.

Die Markers

• Obverse: A diagonal die gouge can be found below E in LIBERTY. A die gouge (dot) can be found left of the upper W in WE. A short die gouge is present from the front curl of Lincoln’s hair. A strong die scratch runs ESE from the lower nose. A die gouge southeast of the lower lip is present. Reverse: A die scratch runs about horizontally from under the Memorial above the O in ONE. A die gouge can be found on the lower part of the upright of E in ONE. Two die scratches run east to west through the upper E in ONE.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References