1963 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent - Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-042

Description

Proof coins by their nature provide an optimal canvas for detecting die varieties, and the 1963 Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-042 illustrates this principle well. The chrome-plated proof dies at the Philadelphia Mint produced coins with mirror-like fields so reflective that they function almost as optical instruments, revealing secondary hub images as faint shadows or duplicated contours against the brilliant surface. When examined under magnification with carefully positioned lighting, even minor hub displacement becomes visible on proof surfaces that would obscure it on the duller, less precisely struck surfaces of business-strike coins. WDDO-042 carries a doubled obverse image created during the multi-impression hubbing process, when the working hub shifted fractionally between applications to the proof die blank. The coin was struck on a 95% copper and 5% zinc planchet with Brenner's obverse portrait and Gasparro's Memorial reverse. Collectors should compare specimens against published die photographs in the Wexler Doubled Die Files for positive identification.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1963 1¢ Pr WDDO-042

External References