1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Third in the Wexler doubled die obverse sequence for the 1971-S proof Lincoln Memorial cent, WDDO-003 is cross-referenced as CONECA 7-O-V — a Class V designation indicating pivot-point doubling where the hub rotated around a specific fulcrum during the secondary impression, producing displacement that increases with distance from the pivot. The CONECA number 7 places this as the seventh doubled die obverse recognized in the CONECA system for the 1971-S date, reflecting that organization's broader catalog scope which includes varieties attributed by multiple specialists. Class V doubled dies on proof coinage represent a particular detection opportunity: the polished dies and planchets used in proof production preserve the rotational displacement with maximum surface fidelity, and the frosted design elements contrasting against mirror fields create ideal conditions for detecting the asymmetric spread that characterizes pivot-point doubling. Unlike Class I varieties where rotation affects the entire design symmetrically, Class V spread concentrates at the design areas most distant from the pivot point while leaving elements near the pivot essentially undoubled — creating a graduated pattern that experienced collectors can read to determine both the pivot location and the magnitude of rotational offset. The 1971-S proof date is notable for producing multiple significant doubled die varieties, including the extremely strong WDDO-001 and the very strong WDDO-002, placing WDDO-003 in the context of a proof die preparation environment that generated a substantial family of hub doubling varieties at the San Francisco Mint. For collectors, WDDO-003 offers a less prominent but independently cataloged addition to the 1971-S proof doubled die set.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: CONECA: 7-O-V
• CONECA: 7-O-V; Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S 1¢ Pr WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References