1969-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002

Description

Cataloged as WDDR-002 for the 1969-S Lincoln cent and specifically identified as a proof variety (Wexler Variety ID: 1969-S 1¢ Pr WDDR-002), this doubled die reverse originates from the proof die production at the San Francisco Mint. The doubling shows at an angle on the floor below the Lincoln statue within the Memorial building — an area of fine detail that proof striking preserves with exceptional clarity, making even subtle hub doubling detectable. This variety has been cross-referenced to CONECA 4-R-VIII, indicating it is the fourth reverse variety cataloged for this date with Class VIII characteristics. Die markers span both sides of the coin: on the obverse, a light die scratch runs SSW from the bottom of the first 9 in the date; on the reverse, light die scratches run horizontally from above the E of ONE to above the C of CENT, while no other significant reverse markers have been noted beyond the doubling itself. The variety was submitted by Greg Bowyer. Proof doubled die reverses are scarcer than their business-strike counterparts because proof dies strike far fewer coins before retirement — typically 2,000-3,000 impressions versus hundreds of thousands for business strike dies — limiting the total population of coins bearing any specific proof die variety.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Tony Chambrone Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1969-S 1¢ Pr WDDR-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References