1964 Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-014

Description

Cataloged as the fourteenth Wexler doubled die obverse in the Proof-prefixed sequence for the 1964 Lincoln cent, this variety comes from a year that saw the Philadelphia Mint produce 3,950,762 proof cents alongside 2,648,575,000 business strikes. The sheer scale of die manufacturing for both proof and business strike production in 1964 generated an unusually large number of doubled die varieties across both strike types. Proof dies, despite their shorter service life of approximately 3,000 impressions, were still subject to the same hubbing imperfections that created doubled dies on business strike dies. The difference lies solely in the number of coins affected: a business strike doubled die might produce several hundred thousand coins, while a proof doubled die affects at most a few thousand before the die is retired. No specific doubling description, die markers, cross-references, or expert attributions have been published for this variety. Collectors should be aware that 1964 proof cents frequently exhibit deep cameo contrast — heavily frosted devices against deeply mirrored fields — particularly on coins struck early in a die's service life. When a doubled die coincides with strong cameo frosting, the doubling can sometimes be more easily detected in the frosted design elements than in the mirror fields. Attribution requires comparison against Wexler reference images under magnification. Struck on a polished 3.11-gram, 19mm bronze planchet of 95% copper and 5% tin-zinc.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References