1970 Lincoln Memorial Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-027

Description

Standing out among the later-numbered 1970 Philadelphia Mint doubled die obverses, WDDO-027 exhibits Class I counterclockwise spread visible on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date — a rotational hub doubling pattern indicating the die or hub rotated slightly between hubbing impressions, producing doubled elements that fan counterclockwise from a pivot point. Class I (rotated) doubling is dramatic because it affects multiple design areas simultaneously with progressively increasing separation as distance from the rotation center increases. This die also carries two significant die markers: a die gouge southwest of the L in LIBERTY and parallel die scratches running through the D in UNITED on the reverse. The die gouge provides an immediate visual checkpoint — a small displaced area of metal that appears as a raised lump on the struck coin — while the parallel scratches through UNITED serve as a reverse-side fingerprint confirming the die pair. No cross-references have been identified beyond the Wexler catalog. The CCW rotational spread across three major design elements — motto, LIBERTY, and date — combined with distinctive die markers, makes WDDO-027 readily attributable. Collectors should note that Class I spreads typically show the strongest doubling at the periphery of the coin, where design elements are farthest from the rotation center.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970 1¢ WDDO-027

External References