1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-018

Description

One of the most significant doubled dies in the 1970-S Lincoln Memorial cent series, WDDO-018 carries the Cherry Pickers' Guide designation FS-01-1970S-103 (old number 030.1) and is further documented as Breen #2257 in Walter Breen's comprehensive encyclopedia of U.S. coin varieties. This Small Date variety exhibits counterclockwise spread emanating from a pivot point at approximately the 9 o'clock position on the 70 in the date — a distinctive characteristic of Class V pivoted hub doubling, where one hubbing impression is rotated relative to the other around a fixed point rather than being displaced in a uniform direction. The pivot mechanism means that doubling intensity increases with distance from the pivot point: design elements near the 9 o'clock position show little or no spread, while elements on the opposite side of the coin show progressively stronger displacement. Cross-referenced extensively as CONECA 5-O-V and Crawford CDDO-021, this variety benefits from documentation across every major attribution system. The three-stage obverse paired with a three-stage reverse reveals a complex die history, with progressive changes in die surface characteristics across the production run. Class V pivot doubling is among the less common doubled die mechanisms — most doubled dies result from Class I rotated or Class II distorted hub impressions — making WDDO-018's pivot-point geometry a subject of particular interest to variety specialists studying hub doubling mechanics. The Breen listing provides historical documentation predating many modern attribution services, confirming that this variety was recognized decades ago. Collectors pursuing Cherry Pickers' Guide varieties will find FS-01-1970S-103 a worthwhile target, as the pivot spread produces visually distinctive doubling that becomes more apparent with distance from the pivot center near the bottom of the date. Die Markers: Obverse Stage A: Die gouge left of lower N of IN A small die gouge can be found at the rim above the second T in TRUST. Obverse Stage B: Two small die gouges (dots) above 7. Die scratch NNE from top of 7. Curving die scratch left of upper G of GOD. Reverse Stage A: Short die scratch SSE from bottom of 2nd T in STATES. Reverse Stage C: Numerous curving die scratches.

Attribution History

• CONECA: 5-O-V, Crawford: CDDO-021, Cherrypickers: FS-01-1970S-103 (030.1), Breen #2257; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ WDDO-018
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References