1970-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005

Description

Carrying the most extensive die-state documentation of any doubled die in the 1970-D Wexler catalog, WDDO-005 (Wexler Variety ID: 1970-D 1¢ WDDO-005) shows its doubling under the horizontal bar of the 7 and below the 0 in the date. The die-state record spans three obverse stages and three reverse stages, painting a comprehensive picture of this die's entire service life from heavily clashed to terminally deteriorated. Obverse Stage A presents dramatic clash evidence: strong clash marks from the Memorial bays run through the RTY in LIBERTY and below the chin, parallel die scratches run northeast from the nose, and a die scratch runs southwest to northeast through the 9 and 7, with numerous other die scratches throughout. Stage B shows these markers weakening, with a new die gouge appearing below and between the T and R in TRUST. Obverse Stage C shows the die clash marks through RTY have been eliminated (likely through polishing), though those below the chin remain visible — documenting a partial die-maintenance attempt that removed some clash evidence while leaving deeper impressions intact. The reverse tells its own parallel story across three stages. Reverse Stage A exhibits numerous die scratches running northwest to southeast throughout, with a die crack running down the first Memorial column. Stage B shows the Stage A scratches weakening considerably while a die crack develops down the last Memorial column and a strong die gouge — likely a feeder finger scrape — runs northwest from the top of the left base of the Memorial. Reverse Stage C introduces numerous die scratches running southwest to northeast on the upper left portion, representing a fresh set of surface marks distinct from the earlier northwest-southeast pattern. No cross-references to other attribution services have been established. Collectors seeking to plate all six documented stages will find this variety among the most rewarding in the entire 1970-D series for die-state study, as each stage offers multiple distinct and readily confirmed diagnostics.

Attribution History

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-D 1¢ WDDO-005
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References