1970 (S) Lincoln Memorial Cent - Small Date - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-037

Description

Sharing the WDDO-037 designation with its Large Date counterpart, this Small Date regular strike entry documents doubling below L in LIBERTY and above the 7 in the date on a die prepared from the 1970-S Small Date hub. The same die markers apply — a die scratch from Lincoln's upper lip, a die scratch to the left of W in WE, and a die gouge inside the D of UNITED on the reverse — but the visual presentation differs because the Small Date hub's numeral proportions alter the geometry of the doubled area. On the Small Date hub, the 7 sits lower relative to the other date numerals, meaning the doubling above the 7 occupies a slightly different zone relative to the 9 and 0 than on the Large Date version. This positional difference can serve as a quick hub-type confirmation even before examining the doubling itself. The die scratch from the upper lip is particularly useful as an attribution anchor because it sits on a high-relief area of the portrait where it resists obliteration by moderate circulation wear — collectors examining well-circulated 1970-S Small Date cents can often locate this marker even when subtler doubling has softened. The Small Date context adds collector interest because 1970-S Small Date cents in higher grades have traditionally commanded premiums.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ WDDO-037

External References