1963 Proof Lincoln Memorial Cent - Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-067

Description

Cataloged under the proof-specific branch of the Wexler doubled die attribution system, the 1963 Proof WDDO-067 represents a doubled obverse die that served exclusively in the Philadelphia Mint's proof cent production for that year. The distinction between proof-designated and business-strike DDO varieties for the 1963 cent matters because the two categories were produced from entirely separate die pools: proof dies underwent chrome plating, selective device frosting, and mirror polishing before entering service on dedicated proof presses, while business-strike dies were finished differently and ran on high-speed production lines. Despite these divergent finishing paths, both die types were created through the same multi-impression hubbing process, meaning that either could develop the fractional design displacement that characterizes a genuine doubled die variety. WDDO-067 preserves one such anomaly, transmitting the doubled obverse to every coin it struck during its brief service life. Collectors seeking to identify this variety should examine the obverse under magnification with directional lighting at various angles, checking legends, date, and portrait details for evidence of a secondary hub image. The 1963 date represents the end of an era — proof sets would not be produced again until 1968, following the coin shortage that reshaped American numismatic policy. The coin was struck on a standard 3.11-gram, 95% copper and 5% zinc planchet.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1963 1¢ Pr WDDO-067

External References