1970-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Presenting a nice Class I counterclockwise spread visible on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date, WDDO-002 on the 1970-D Lincoln Memorial cent is classified under the Wexler system's most common doubled die mechanism. Class I (rotated hub doubling) occurs when the hub rotates slightly between impressions, producing spread that varies in direction and magnitude depending on each design element's position relative to the rotation axis. A counterclockwise rotation creates spread that appears to the south on the left side of the die and to the north on the right side, with elements near the rotation center showing minimal displacement and those near the periphery showing the greatest separation. The spread manifesting simultaneously on LIBERTY (right field), IGWT (top), and the date (bottom) confirms significant angular displacement affecting widely separated design elements. Die markers are noted simply as "Obverse" in the published documentation, suggesting either that comprehensive marker documentation was not completed at the time of listing or that the die lacked distinctive secondary gouges beyond the doubling itself. For attribution purposes, the Class I CCW spread pattern across all three major obverse text elements provides sufficient confirmation without relying on die markers — few other 1970-D doubled dies exhibit this specific combination of affected elements with counterclockwise directionality. Collectors should examine under 8x-15x magnification, focusing on notching or separation in the letter serifs where spread is most readily detected.

Die Markers

• Obverse

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References