1963 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-021

Description

Submitted by John A. Wexler and bearing the Wexler Variety ID 1963 1c Pr WDDO-021, this proof doubled die obverse of the 1963 Lincoln Memorial Cent shows doubling to the right on the last T in IN GOD WE TRUST. While the doubling is confined to a single letter, its presence on a proof striking makes it noteworthy, as the sharper design definition inherent to proof coins can render even subtle hub displacement more visually distinct than on business strikes. Die markers on the obverse include die scratches above the right side of the head, extending from under the E in WE to under the first T in IN GOD WE TRUST. On the reverse, a die clash can be found in the upper eighth Memorial bay, evidence that the obverse and reverse dies came into contact without a planchet between them at some point during the die's service life. Die clashes on proof dies are relatively uncommon because the hand-fed production process reduces the frequency of missed feeds, making this reverse marker a useful attribution point. The CONECA cross-reference for this variety is 12-O-V-CCW, linking it to the CONECA doubled die cataloging system and providing collectors with an independent verification pathway. The 1963 proof production of 3,075,645 coins at the Philadelphia Mint utilized dies with a limited service life of approximately 3,000 strikes per pair, and the higher striking pressure employed for proof coinage ensured that the full depth of design detail was transferred to the planchet. Collectors should examine the rightward spread on the final T under magnification, using the die scratches above the head and the reverse die clash as confirming attribution markers.

Attribution History

• Wexler Variety ID: 1963 1¢ Pr WDDO-021
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References