1963 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-043

Description

Extending the proof DDO catalog for the 1963 Lincoln Memorial Cent, WDDO-043 was attributed by the Wexler Team and carries the designation Wexler Variety ID 1963 1c Pr WDDO-043. The existence of so many proof doubled die obverse varieties for a single date illustrates a fundamental aspect of die manufacture: each working die is individually hubbed, and the multi-impression process creates an independent opportunity for misalignment with every die produced, whether destined for proof or business-strike service. The proof die preparation sequence at the Philadelphia Mint involved additional finishing steps including sandblasting for frosted devices, chrome plating for durability, and hand polishing for mirror fields, none of which erased any hubbing anomaly that had already been imparted to the die during the design transfer stage. Consequently, a doubled proof die carries its secondary image beneath the chrome layer and into every one of the approximately 3,000 coins it strikes before retirement. The total proof mintage of 3,075,645 pieces in 1963 was the highest of the pre-shortage era, surpassing even the 1964 proof run in quantity and making 1963 proof sets relatively available for variety searching. Collectors working through 1963 proof sets should examine each cent under magnification with low-angle lighting, checking the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, the date, LIBERTY, and the portrait contours for evidence of secondary images. The coin was struck on a 95% copper and 5% zinc planchet and features Victor David Brenner's obverse design paired with Frank Gasparro's Memorial reverse.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1963 1¢ Pr WDDO-043
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References