1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-051

Description

Pushing the Wexler doubled die obverse catalog past its fiftieth entry for the 1970-S Lincoln Memorial cent, WDDO-051 on the Small Date regular strike presents doubling under the 7 and below the top of the 0 in the date. The doubling under the 7 appears as extra metal beneath the numeral's horizontal crossbar, while the doubling below the top of the 0 manifests as a partial shadow just inside the upper curve of the zero. These date-area features are supplemented by an extensive die marker inventory. Die scratches appear below and through the RTY in LIBERTY, with a particularly strong scratch extending from above the zero — a marker whose proximity to the doubling zone makes it an efficient dual-purpose examination point. On the reverse, triangle-shaped die scratches above the right cornice of the Lincoln Memorial provide a distinctive geometric marker uncommon among typical linear die scratches, and parallel scratches through the E in ONE create a secondary reverse reference. The triangle scratches above the cornice are especially valuable diagnostically because their unusual geometry — multiple intersecting scratches forming a recognizable shape — makes them memorable and quickly confirmable, reducing the risk of confusing this reverse die with others bearing simpler linear scratches. WDDO-051's combination of precisely located date doubling with the memorable triangle marker on the reverse creates a variety that, despite its high catalog number, offers a practical and engaging attribution challenge for collectors working through 1970-S Small Date cent populations.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Shields Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S 1¢ WDDO-051
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References