1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-033

Description

Struck from a proof die at the San Francisco Mint, WDDO-033 on the 1970-S Lincoln Memorial cent exhibits spread towards the rim on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date — a directional pattern consistent with Class II hub doubling, where the secondary hub impression is displaced radially outward from the design center. This outward spread produces extra thickness at the tops and outer edges of affected lettering, creating a shelf-like doubling most visible on the tallest design elements closest to the rim. The Class II classification is confirmed by CONECA cross-reference 12-O-II, and Coppercoins cross-reference 1970S-1DO-029P further anchors this variety in a third attribution framework. A vertical die gouge in the center fold of Lincoln's vest provides a die marker independent of the doubling itself — a surface imperfection that can confirm attribution even on specimens where the doubling is partially obscured by toning. As a proof issue, WDDO-033 was struck on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies with multiple strikes at higher pressure, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements. This proof context means surviving examples tend to be well-preserved, as proof coins were sold directly to collectors who stored them in protective holders rather than releasing them into circulation.

Attribution History

• Discovered by David Bigelow Cross References: CONECA: 12-O-II, Coppercoins: 1970S-1DO-029P
• CONECA: 12-O-II, Coppercoins: 1970S-1DO-029P; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ Pr WDDO-033
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References