1972-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Third Wexler doubled die obverse for the 1972-D Lincoln Memorial cent, WDDO-003 returns to a counterclockwise Class I spread on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date — sharing its rotational direction with WDDO-001 but representing a completely different working die with its own distinct doubling magnitude and die marker profile. Cross-referenced as CONECA 3-O-I and Coppercoins 1972D-1DO-003 (no Crawford number assigned), this variety is valued at $15 in AU, $25 in MS60, $35 in MS63, and $50 in MS65RD, placing it alongside WDDO-002 in the second tier of 1972-D doubled die premiums. Three documented obverse stages chronicle its production history, with the most dramatic being Stage C — designated VLDS (Very Late Die State) — where a die crack has developed through the upper portion of Lincoln's head, signaling imminent die failure. This terminal-stage crack provides an unmistakable attribution marker for late-production specimens, as die cracks of this magnitude through the portrait create a raised line on struck coins that is visible without magnification. The reverse progression through three stages includes Stage B where a new reverse die replaces the original pairing, and Stage C where die cracks develop through the Memorial columns — a parallel deterioration pattern on the reverse that mirrors the obverse's progression toward failure. The die marriage change at reverse Stage B means collectors may encounter two different reverse die pairings with this obverse, each carrying its own set of reverse die markers. Denver's 1972 production volume ensured that even dies approaching failure continued striking coins long enough to generate collectible late-state specimens with dramatic crack patterns. Die Markers: Obverse Stage A: A long, light die scratch runs north from the top of the T in LIBERTY. A short, vertical die gouge can be found SSE of the N of IN. Obverse Stage B: The die scratch from the T in LIBERTY is barely visible. The Stage A die gouge is gone. A small die gouge can be found south of the N of IN. A short, strong die gouge extends SW from the upper left I of IN. A small die gouge can be found just left of the left side of the roof and above the left cornice. A small die gouge touches the upper left side of the I in UNITED. A small die gouge (dot) can be found below the N of ONE. A die gouge can be found to the right of the bottom of the T in CENT. Reverse Stage C: A long, straight die gouge runs south to the right of the lower 1st S in STATES. A die clash mark runs from the bottom of the Memorial to the top left of the N in ONE. A die crack and a die chip can be found on the left Memorial base. A die chip can be found on the right cornice.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: CONECA: 3-O-I, Coppercoins: 1972D-1DO-003 Values: AU = $15, MS60 = $25, MS63 = $35, MS65RD = $50
• CONECA: 3-O-I, Coppercoins: 1972D-1DO-003 Values: AU = $15, MS60 = $25, MS63 = $35, MS65RD = $50; Wexler Variety ID: 1972-D 1¢ WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References