1963 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent - Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-064

Description

WDDO-064 is a doubled die obverse on the 1963 proof Lincoln Memorial cent. This variety originated during the die manufacturing process at the Philadelphia Mint, where working dies destined for proof service were created through the same multi-impression hubbing technique used for circulation dies. The critical difference lay not in the hubbing process itself but in the subsequent finishing: proof dies received chrome plating, controlled frosting of the raised design elements, and careful polishing of the field areas to create the mirror-like surfaces that distinguish proof coinage. A hub misalignment that occurred during the design transfer stage survived all of these finishing steps, becoming part of the die's permanent identity and transferring to every coin struck from it. The 1963 proof Lincoln cent holds particular historical significance as part of the last complete proof set series before the nationwide coin shortage prompted Congress to suspend proof production and remove mint marks from coins beginning in 1965. Struck on a standard 95% copper and 5% zinc planchet, the coin features the Brenner obverse and Gasparro reverse that served the denomination throughout the Memorial cent era.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1963 1¢ Pr WDDO-064

External References