1970 (S) Lincoln Memorial Cent - Large Date - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-044

Description

WDDO-044 on the Large Date Lincoln Memorial cent presents a distinctive doubling signature: an extra bar below the 7 in the date accompanied by slight doubling under the 0. This extra bar — a partial duplicate of the 7's horizontal crossbar displaced downward — provides a focused attribution target for experienced cherry-pickers. The die marker set is exceptionally detailed across both surfaces. On the obverse, parallel die scratches between the N and G of IN GOD provide a precise positional reference, while a separate die scratch runs between the S and T of TRUST. A particularly significant diagnostic feature is the mintmark position: WDDO-044 carries the lowest mint mark position among similar 1970-S varieties, meaning the S mintmark sits measurably closer to the rim than on other WDDO dies. This lowest-position mintmark serves as a rapid screening tool — before examining the date for doubling, a collector can check whether the mintmark position falls within the expected range, eliminating non-candidates immediately. The reverse carries its own marker constellation: a die scratch parallel to the first Memorial column, a die gouge between the R and I of AMERICA, and die scratches through CENT. This marker density makes WDDO-044 attributable, demonstrating that thorough die marker documentation can compensate for modest doubling magnitude by providing multiple independent confirmation points. A die scratch runs north to south on the inside of the C of CENT.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ WDDO-044

External References