1972-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Premier doubled die obverse for the 1972-D Lincoln Memorial cent, WDDO-001 displays a nice Class I counterclockwise spread visible on the letters of LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date — the most comprehensive doubling distribution in the 1972-D series, affecting all major obverse inscriptions simultaneously. Cross-referenced as CONECA 1-O-I, Crawford CDDO-001, and Coppercoins 1972D-1DO-001, this variety commands documented market values of $25 in AU, $35 in MS60, $50 in MS63, and $75 in MS65RD, reflecting its status as the strongest and most collected doubled die for the Denver-minted 1972 cent. The die's production history spans five documented obverse stages (A through E) paired with five reverse stages, recording an unusually complete chronicle of progressive die deterioration. Stage B introduces a die scratch running from the R in LIBERTY toward the head along with a die scratch from the top of the 9 in the date, while die clash marks appear below the chin and beside the neck. By Stage E, a die gouge has developed southeast of the second T in TRUST and above the 2 in the date, marking the die's advanced deterioration. The reverse tells an equally detailed story: Stage A pairs with the earliest obverse states, Stage C develops a die chip on the right cornice of the Memorial, and by Stage D the original reverse die has been retired entirely in favor of a new reverse die pairing — documenting a die marriage change mid-production that helps collectors determine which obverse-reverse combination their specimen represents. The Y of LIBERTY appears as a clash mark in the first Memorial bay on the reverse, transferred during a clash event when the coin chamber operated without a planchet between the dies. The 1972-D date carries special significance because it shares the same production year as the legendary 1972 Philadelphia Doubled Die, focusing collector attention on all 1972 doubled die varieties regardless of mint facility. A die scratch runs north from the top of the 9 in the date. Reverse Stage D: A new reverse die is paired with the obverse die. Reverse Stage E: A die gouge can be found on the Memorial roof north of the 2nd bay.

Attribution History

• CONECA: 1-O-I, Crawford: CDDO-001, Coppercoins: 1972D-1DO-001 Values: AU = $25, MS60 = $35, MS63 = $50, MS65RD = $75 Comments: Early die state specimens of this variety should command higher premiums. If you have a high grade early die state (; Wexler Variety ID: 1972-D 1¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References