1970-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-026

Description

Displaying a multi-directional spread pattern, WDDO-026 on the 1970-D Lincoln Memorial cent shows doubling above the 7 and below the L in LIBERTY, with the LIBERTY letters exhibiting spread toward the center of the coin — an unusual inward displacement that contrasts with the more common outward-spreading patterns seen in rotated hub doublings. This center-directed spread on the letters while the date doubling appears above the 7 suggests a compound displacement vector that combines vertical and possibly pivotal components, producing a more complex doubling geometry than a simple rotation about a single point. No cross-references to other attribution services have been established. Die markers are documented on both the obverse and reverse surfaces, providing confirmation points that supplement the doubling pattern for attribution. The inward spread on LIBERTY is particularly noteworthy because it can produce an effect where the secondary images of the letters appear between the primary letters and Lincoln's portrait, potentially overlapping with design elements in the field area. This makes the doubling more difficult to detect on well-circulated specimens where field wear obscures subtle design overlap, but more visually distinctive on mint-state coins where the secondary images stand in sharp relief against pristine fields. Collectors examining 1970-D cents for this variety should pay attention not just to the date area — the typical first-check zone for 1970-D DDOs — but also to the LIBERTY letters, where the center-directed spread produces a diagnostic pattern distinct from the more commonly encountered outward-spreading varieties. Die Markers: Obverse: A die gouge can be found NNE of the zero in the date. A short, vertical die scratch can be found to the right of the bottom of the 2nd T in TRUST. A die scratch runs south from the bottom of the E in UNITED. Die scratches run from NW to SE through the ST in STATES.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Ribar Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-D 1¢ WDDO-026
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References