1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-048

Description

Small Date companion to the Large Date WDDO-048, this entry records the same doubling above L in LIBERTY and the same comprehensive die marker set — the head scratch, the TRUST gouge, and detailed reverse markers through ONE CENT — on a die prepared from the 1970-S Small Date hub. The doubling above L takes on slightly different visual character on the Small Date die because the relationship between LIBERTY and surrounding design elements varies subtly between hub types: letter spacing, baseline positioning, and the interaction between inscription and portrait relief differ fractionally, altering how the doubled area appears under magnification. The die scratch to the left of Lincoln's head serves as an especially practical marker on Small Date specimens because many collectors examining 1970-S Small Date cents focus initially on the date area to confirm the hub type, and the head scratch sits in the natural scanning path between the date and the upper obverse where LIBERTY is located. A collector who confirms the Small Date hub type can then sweep leftward past Lincoln's profile, checking for the head scratch en route to LIBERTY where the doubling above L awaits. This efficient scanning sequence — date confirmation, head scratch verification, L doubling detection — minimizes the examination time needed to attribute or eliminate WDDO-048. A small die gouge can be found to the right of the 2nd T in TRUST.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Marvin L. Young Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ WDDO-048
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References