1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-034

Description

An unusual variety displaying both genuine hub doubling and mechanical doubling on the same coin, WDDO-034 on the 1970-S Lincoln Memorial cent was struck from a proof Large Date die showing close counterclockwise spread on IN GOD WE TRUST. The distinction between these two forms of doubling is critical for accurate attribution. The hub doubling — the genuine doubled die component — originated during die manufacture when the hub impressed the die at slightly different rotational positions, embedding permanent overlapping design elements into the die steel. This counterclockwise spread affects every coin struck from the die identically. The mechanical doubling, by contrast, occurred at the moment of striking — a brief lateral shift between die and planchet during the fraction of a second when metal was flowing under pressure. Mechanical doubling produces flat, shelf-like displacement lacking the sharp, raised definition of hub doubling, and it varies from coin to coin because each strike event is mechanically independent. The coexistence of both types on this variety makes it an instructive example for collectors learning to distinguish genuine doubled dies from strike artifacts: the same coin shows both phenomena side by side, allowing direct visual comparison under magnification. No significant die markers have been documented beyond the doubling characteristics.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known Comments: The obverse also shows mechanical doubling.
• None known Comments: The obverse also shows mechanical doubling.; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ Pr WDDO-034
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References