1964 Lincoln Memorial Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-016

Description

Part of the extensive 1964 Philadelphia doubled die obverse catalog, WDDO-016 reflects the statistical reality that mass production on an unprecedented scale will generate a proportionally large number of die varieties. Each of those dies was created through multiple hubbing impressions, and any misalignment between impressions produced a doubled die. While the most dramatic doubled dies — like the famous 1955 and 1972 varieties — show bold, easily visible doubling, the majority of doubled die varieties exhibit more subtle spreads that require magnification to detect and reference images to attribute. WDDO-016 falls into the broader category of varieties that reward patient examination under a stereo microscope or high-quality loupe. No cross-references, expert attributions, or die markers have been documented for this variety, meaning attribution depends entirely on matching the specific doubling pattern against published Wexler reference photographs. Collectors building a comprehensive 1964 DDO set will find that assembling the later WDDO numbers often requires searching through quantities of uncirculated rolls or mint-sealed bags, where the full die detail is preserved and subtle varieties have not been obscured by circulation wear. Struck on a 3.11-gram, 19.05 mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc.

External References