1968-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Designated as the fourth Wexler doubled die obverse for the 1968-S Lincoln cent regular strike, WDDO-004 provides a rich set of obverse die markers and a partial reverse die marker record that reflects the challenges of comprehensive variety documentation. Obverse die markers include several die scratches running west-southwest to east-northeast through the lower numerals 19 of the date, two die scratches running southeast from the bottom of the U in TRUST, and numerous other scratches throughout the obverse surface. The extensive obverse scratching pattern suggests either significant die handling damage or prolonged service that introduced progressive surface deterioration. The reverse die marker record begins with the notation "This obverse die is paired with the same reverse die used for" but is truncated at that point in the source documentation — an incomplete cross-reference to another variety that shared the same reverse die. This truncation is preserved as-is from the source data. Die pairing information, when complete, is among the most valuable data in variety research because it establishes die marriage relationships that reveal the sequence and logistics of die usage at the mint. The 1968-S regular strike cent was produced at the San Francisco Mint in the first year that facility resumed full mint mark usage and proof production after the Coinage Act of 1965 era. Struck on a 3.11-gram, 19mm planchet of 95% copper and 5% zinc at the San Francisco Mint.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Several die scratches run from WSW to ENE through the lower 19 in the date. Two die scratches run SE from the bottom of the U in TRUST. Numerous other die scratches can be found throughout the obverse. Reverse: This obverse die is paired with the same reverse die used for

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References