1970-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-016

Description

Attributed as DDO-016 for the 1970-S Lincoln Memorial cent, this doubled die obverse exhibits very light spread limited to IN GOD WE TRUST — the subtlest doubling intensity designation, indicating the hub displacement was minimal and its visible effect confined to a single design area. Cataloged under UVC-2517 and DMR-029, this variety uses the Small Date obverse die (ODV-026) and is a proof coin from the San Francisco Mint. The combination of proof strike and Small Date die variety gives DDO-016 inherent collector interest beyond its doubling characteristics, as the 1970-S Small Date is itself a recognized variety with a premium over the more common Large Date. Very light spread on IN GOD WE TRUST demands careful examination: collectors should focus on the vertical strokes and serifs of the motto letters under high magnification (16x or greater) with directional lighting angled to cast shadows that reveal subtle separation between primary and secondary hub impressions. On proof surfaces, the mirror-like finish can alternately help or hinder detection — it provides contrast but also introduces reflections that may obscure fine details. The fact that doubling is noted only on the motto, with no reported spread on LIBERTY or the date, places DDO-016 among the most subtle varieties in the 1970-S DDO sequence. Nevertheless, its Small Date proof status ensures continued collector interest as part of the complete 1970-S Small Date proof DDO roster.

Die Markers

• UVC-2517; DMR-029

External References