1972 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009

Description

Cataloged with two obverse die stages and two reverse die stages, WDDO-009 represents a close Class I doubled die that presents particular attribution challenges due to its resemblance to WDDO-005 in the date area — specifically, markings above the bottom of the 2 that appear similar between the two varieties. This diagnostic overlap requires collectors to rely on the full suite of die markers rather than isolated features when making attributions. Obverse die markers across both stages, combined with reverse die markers for each corresponding reverse state, provide the necessary multi-point identification framework for confident attribution. Cross-referenced as Crawford CDDO-010 and Coppercoins 1972P-1DO-014. The Crawford numbering (CDDO-010) differs from the Wexler sequence (WDDO-009) because different attribution teams catalog varieties independently using their own discovery chronologies — a common source of confusion for collectors new to doubled die attribution who may encounter the same physical variety referenced under multiple catalog numbers depending on which attribution system is being used. For the experienced collector, WDDO-009 offers the satisfaction of attributing a subtle variety that rewards careful examination: unlike the dramatic heavy-spread varieties that announce themselves at first glance, close doubled dies like this one test the collector's ability to distinguish genuine hub doubling from strike doubling, die deterioration doubling, and other look-alike phenomena that can mimic doubled die characteristics under casual inspection. Obverse Die Markers: Obverse Stage A: A diagonal die scratch protrudes from the rim just below the B in the designer’s initials. A die scratch runs NNE from the top right of the R in LIBERTY. Obverse Stage B: The Stage A die scratches are gone. A die gouge can be found near the rim NE of the 2 in the date. A small die gouge can be found SE of the R in TRUST. Reverse Stage A: A die scratch extends NW from the upper part of the right vertical bar of the N in CENT. A weak die gouge (dot) can be found between the centers of the I and T of UNITED. A small die gouge (dot) can be found near the top of the 3rd Memorial bay.

Attribution History

• Crawford: CDDO-010, Coppercoins: 1972P-1DO-014; Wexler Variety ID: 1972 1¢ WDDO-009
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References