1963 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-039

Description

The thirty-ninth proof doubled die obverse variety cataloged for the 1963 Lincoln Memorial Cent, WDDO-039 joins a densely populated section of the Wexler catalog where careful die marker analysis becomes essential for distinguishing between varieties that may share similar general doubling characteristics. At this depth in the catalog, collectors often find that the doubling is subtle or localized to specific design elements, requiring patient examination under high magnification to detect and characterize. The proof striking context provides a natural advantage in this regard: the mirror fields produced by chrome-plated proof dies create a reflective backdrop that enhances the visibility of secondary design images under angled lighting, and the higher striking pressure employed for proof production forces the planchet metal into the die recesses more completely, rendering even minor hub displacement as visible doubled contours. WDDO-039 was struck at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the 3,075,645 proof Lincoln cent production for 1963, using proof die pairs that typically served approximately 3,000 impressions before retirement. The hubbing anomaly that defines this variety was created during the die manufacturing process and persisted through the chrome plating and polishing stages that prepared the die for proof service. The coin was struck on a 95% copper and 5% zinc planchet. The 1963 date represents the final year of uninterrupted proof set production before the coin shortage prompted Congress to suspend proof coinage beginning in 1965, giving proof varieties from this date an added dimension of historical significance.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References