1963 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-045

Description

Bearing the Wexler Variety ID 1963 1c Pr WDDO-045, this proof doubled die obverse of the 1963 Lincoln Memorial Cent was attributed by the Wexler Team and represents one of the later-numbered entries in the proof DDO series for the date. Later-numbered varieties in the Wexler catalog are not necessarily less significant than lower-numbered ones; the numbering generally reflects the chronological order of documentation and attribution rather than the prominence or desirability of the doubling. Some higher-numbered varieties have been discovered through advances in imaging technology and more systematic searching by dedicated attributors long after the initial wave of DDO discoveries for a given date. The proof context for WDDO-045 means it was struck from dies that underwent the full proof preparation protocol at the Philadelphia Mint, including chrome plating, polishing, and final inspection, all of which enhance the visual quality of the finished coin without removing any hubbing anomaly already embedded in the die steel. With the 1963 proof mintage standing at 3,075,645 Lincoln cents and individual proof die pairs typically limited to approximately 3,000 strikes, WDDO-045 exists on a small population of surviving proof coins. Collectors working through original 1963 proof sets should examine each cent under controlled lighting and magnification of at least 10x, checking the obverse legends and portrait for secondary images consistent with hub doubling. The coin features the standard 95% copper and 5% zinc composition and the Brenner-Gasparro design pairing.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1963 1¢ Pr WDDO-045
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References