1964 Lincoln Memorial Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-015

Description

The process that creates a doubled die obverse is mechanical and repeatable: during die manufacture, a hub bearing the coin design in positive relief is pressed into a softened steel blank to create a working die. If the hub is removed, the die blank annealed, and the hub reapplied with even a fraction of a degree of misalignment, the second impression overlaps the first imperfectly, leaving a doubled image permanently incused in the die. Prior to the adoption of single-squeeze hubbing presses in the 1990s, multiple hubbing impressions were standard practice, making doubled dies an inherent byproduct of the die manufacturing process. No specific cross-references, expert attributions, or die markers have been published for WDDO-015, so collectors must rely on comparison with Wexler reference photographs to confirm identification. The doubling spread direction, magnitude, and affected design elements define each WDDO number, and careful examination under magnification of LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date is essential for accurate attribution. High-grade uncirculated examples preserve the full sharpness of the doubled image and are preferred by variety specialists. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint on a 95% copper, 5% zinc planchet weighing 3.11 grams at 19.05 mm diameter.

External References