1964 Lincoln Memorial Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008

Description

A doubled die obverse occurs when the working die receives a secondary hubbing impression that is slightly misaligned from the first, transferring a doubled image into the die steel that then reproduces on every coin struck from that die. Because no cross-references, expert attributions, or specific die markers have been published for this variety, identification relies on careful comparison against Wexler reference images, examining areas where doubling is typically most visible: the lettering of LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST, the date digits, and Lincoln's profile details. Every die-to-hub impression carried a small probability of misalignment, and the massive 1964 production run simply multiplied those opportunities. Collectors searching for this variety should focus on high-grade uncirculated examples where the full die detail is preserved, as circulation wear can obscure the subtle doubling characteristics that distinguish one WDDO from another. Struck on a 95% copper, 5% zinc planchet weighing 3.11 grams at 19.05 mm diameter.

External References