1970-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-017

Description

Designated DDO-017 on the 1970-S Lincoln Memorial cent, this proof doubled die obverse displays a medium spread manifesting as an extra partial bar below the L of LIBERTY — a localized diagnostic that provides cherry-pickers with a specific target area for identification. Die markers UVC-2697 and DMR-030 catalog this variety, which uses the Large Date obverse die (ODV-025) and was produced through the San Francisco Mint's proof striking process. The extra partial bar below the L represents the lower portion of the letter's serif duplicated by the secondary hub impression, creating a small but distinct horizontal element protruding below where the L should terminate. On proof coins, this type of localized bar doubling benefits from the sharp, high-contrast strike: the polished die surfaces transfer fine details with precision, making the extra bar more clearly delineated than it might appear on a business strike from the same die. The "partial" qualifier indicates the bar does not extend the full width of the L's base, suggesting the hub displacement was at an angle that only duplicated part of the serif rather than the entire bottom stroke. DDO-017 joins several other 1970-S proof Large Date DDOs in this batch, reflecting the concentration of variety dies within the proof production program — a pattern consistent with the dedicated die pairs maintained for proof coining at the San Francisco Mint during this era.

Die Markers

• UVC-2697; DMR-030

External References