1963-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-010

Description

Submitted by Frank Baumann and documented with two distinct sets of die marker data, the 1963-D Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-010 displays doubling on the upper inside of the numeral 3 of the date — a localized but clearly defined displacement that places this variety within the family of date-focused doubled dies from the prolific 1963-D production run. The description-sourced die markers record diagonal scratches running WNW/ESE in the obverse field area, representing one set of identifying features documented at the time of original attribution. The die markers field records a separate set of features: on the obverse, a scratch runs SW from the hair at the back of Lincoln's neck; on the reverse, a gouge appears under the right leg of the R in AMERICA, and a short vertical gouge sits at the rim above the right T in UNITED. Both sets of markers are preserved here because they may represent different die states or different documentation sessions, and collectors should check for both when attempting to confirm attribution — the presence of either set supports identification as WDDO-010, while the combination of both provides the strongest confirmation. The coexistence of two marker profiles also illustrates the evolving nature of die-variety documentation: as a die progresses through its service life, early scratches may wear down while new ones develop, and different attributors examining specimens at different stages may record different details. The Denver Mint struck 1,774,020,400 cents in 1963, and the upper inside loop of the numeral 3 is a productive area for doubled die detection across many 1963-D varieties, making die markers essential for distinguishing WDDO-010 from its neighbors in the catalog. Magnification of at least 7x is recommended for initial detection of the doubling within the 3.

Die Markers

• Obverse: A short strong die scratch runs southwest from the hair at the back of the neck. Reverse: A die gouge can be found under the right leg of R in AMERICA. A short vertical die gouge can be found at the rim above the right side of T in UNITED.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References