1963 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

An early entry in the proof-specific doubled die obverse catalog for the 1963 Lincoln Memorial Cent, WDDO-002 holds the distinction of being the second proof DDO variety documented for this date under the Wexler numbering system. Low-numbered varieties often represent discoveries made during the initial survey of a date's die population, when the most prominent or most frequently encountered doubled dies are identified first. The doubling on this die was created during the hubbing process at the Philadelphia Mint, where the obverse working hub was pressed into the proof die blank multiple times under hydraulic force, and a fractional misalignment between impressions left a permanent secondary design image in the die steel. No significant die markers have been documented on either the obverse or the reverse of this die, which means attribution relies primarily on the character of the doubling itself — its direction, magnitude, and the specific design elements affected. The proof context ensures that specimens display the mirror fields and sharply frosted devices produced by chrome-plated dies striking polished planchets at elevated pressure. With the 1963 proof mintage standing at 3,075,645 Lincoln cents and each proof die pair lasting approximately 3,000 impressions, the surviving population of WDDO-002 specimens is limited. The 95% copper and 5% zinc planchet carries Brenner's Lincoln portrait and Gasparro's Memorial reverse. Collectors should examine potential specimens under magnification with angled lighting to reveal the doubled design elements.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None significant. Reverse: None significant.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References