1970-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-015

Description

Documented as DDO-015 on the 1970-S Lincoln Memorial cent, this doubled die obverse presents a distinctive medium spread producing an extra bar below the 70 of the date — a localized doubling pattern that gives cherry-pickers a single, clearly defined diagnostic target. Die markers UVC-2265 and DMR-026 identify this variety, which belongs to the Large Date obverse die (ODV-025) and is a Regular Strike from the San Francisco Mint. The extra bar below 70 results from a hub displacement that shifted the secondary impression downward relative to the primary, creating a shelf-like duplication of the bottom portions of the 7 and 0. This type of localized, bar-like doubling at the date is among the easier DDO diagnostics to detect because it places extra metal in what should be clean field space directly below the date numerals. Medium spread strength means the bar is well-defined under standard magnification without being so dramatic that it is immediately visible to the unaided eye. The 1970-S Large Date Regular Strike cents circulated broadly, meaning cherry-pickers can encounter this variety in circulation finds, roll searching, and unsorted accumulations — making DDO-015 accessible to collectors at various experience levels. The focused nature of the doubling at the date, without noted spread on LIBERTY or the motto, suggests the hub displacement was relatively minor in magnitude but oriented at an angle that maximized its visibility at the date position.

Die Markers

• UVC-2265; DMR-026

External References