1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Documented as the fourth Wexler doubled die obverse for the 1971-S proof Lincoln Memorial cent, WDDO-004 exhibits a strong Class V clockwise spread from a pivot point at approximately 5:00 — positioning the rotational fulcrum slightly left of center-bottom and producing maximum displacement in the upper-right quadrant of the die where LIBERTY is located. The strong spread on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST demonstrates that the pivot-point geometry concentrated sufficient rotational offset in the inscription zones to generate readily detectable doubled design edges under magnification. Cross-referenced as CONECA 4-O-V and listed in the Cherrypickers Guide as FS-01-1971S-103 (formerly FS-033.1), this variety carries dual external attribution plus the significant FS designation confirming it meets the Fivaz-Stanton criteria for collector significance. The pivot at 5:00 distinguishes WDDO-004's doubling geometry from WDDO-002's 6:00 pivot — a one-hour rotational difference on the clock-face convention that shifts the axis of maximum displacement and alters the pattern of affected design elements. A small die gouge between the lower I and N of IN serves as the primary obverse die marker, positioned within the IGWT motto where the gouge can be checked as a quick screening criterion before investing time in resolving the Class V spread on surrounding letters. Proof striking at San Francisco preserved both the pivot-point doubling and the I-N gouge with the high-contrast clarity inherent in proof production — polished planchets receiving multiple impressions from polished dies at elevated pressure, rendering every doubled edge and die surface feature with maximum definition.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kevin Flynn Cross References: CONECA: 4-O-V, Cherrypickers: FS-01-1971S-103 (033.1)
• CONECA: 4-O-V, Cherrypickers: FS-01-1971S-103 (033.1); Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S 1¢ Pr WDDO-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References