1963 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008

Description

Recorded as the eighth doubled die obverse variety for the 1963 P-mint Lincoln Memorial Cent, WDDO-008 presents a counterclockwise spread visible on the second T in IN GOD WE TRUST and slightly on the center of the 3 in the date. This two-point doubling distribution, with one element in the motto area and another in the date, reflects a hub misalignment whose rotational axis fell between these regions of the die face, producing more pronounced displacement at the extremities of the affected zone and lesser displacement near the pivot point. The counterclockwise rotational spread is consistent with the hubbing press mechanics used at the Philadelphia Mint during this era, where fractional rotation of the hub relative to the die during seating was one of the most common sources of doubled die varieties. Die markers on the obverse include light die scratches running west-southwest from the back of the neck, a feature that indicates minor surface damage accumulated during the die's working life. The reverse is noted as having no significant die markers, which places the burden of attribution primarily on the obverse doubling pattern and the neck scratches. Philadelphia struck 754,110,000 business-strike cents in 1963, the second-to-last year before the coin shortage of 1965-67 curtailed mint mark usage and disrupted normal production patterns. The coin carries Victor David Brenner's obverse portrait and Frank Gasparro's Memorial reverse on a 95% copper and 5% zinc planchet. Collectors should focus their examination on the second T and the digit 3 under magnification, using the neck scratches as a secondary confirmation.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Light die scratches run WSW from the back of the neck. Reverse: None significant.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References