1970-S Proof Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-035

Description

Listed under a proof-specific title, this entry for WDDO-035 on the 1970-S Lincoln Memorial cent highlights a proof Small Date variety with strong spread towards the rim on LIBERTY. Two distinctive markers set this variety apart. First, Lincoln's nose appears flat — the result of heavy abrading applied to the die during preparation, removing enough steel to eliminate the normal rounded profile. This flat nose is visible to the naked eye, providing an immediate screening criterion. Second, the mint mark position serves as a diagnostic separator from the similar WDDO-033: the S sits closer to the 9 and farther from the 7, a positional measurement distinguishing these two proof Small Date dies within the same spread-towards-rim category. Cross-referenced as CONECA 15-O-II, this variety is independently confirmed. Proof striking preserves the flat nose anomaly with particular clarity because the multi-impression proof process emphasizes the texture difference between the abraded nose and surrounding frosted portrait detail. Together, the strong LIBERTY spread, flat nose, and specific mintmark position give WDDO-035 a robust framework leveraging both doubled die evidence and die preparation artifacts.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Small Date. The upper nose is flat from heavy abrading of the die. The mint mark is closer to the 9 and farther from the 7 than what is seen on WDDO-033. Reverse: None noted.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References