1972 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-023

Description

Among the stronger minor 1972 doubled dies in the Wexler catalog, WDDO-023 displays a close Class I clockwise spread visible on the LIBER of LIBERTY and on IN GOD WE TRUST — a broader distribution of observable doubling than the many varieties in this sequence that show doubling only as an extra bar on the date's "2" digit. The Class I designation confirms mechanical doubling from a pivot-point hub rotation, while the visibility across multiple letters indicates a slightly larger rotational angle or greater die shift than many neighboring WDDOs. This variety is cross-referenced as Coppercoins 1972P-1DO-015, establishing independent documentation by a second attribution service and confirming its collectibility (Wexler Variety ID: 1972 1¢ WDDO-023). Obverse die markers include die gouges extending west-southwest from the base of the bust at the designer's initials (VDB), and three short die gouges at the bottom of the center fold in the vest. The reverse shows a horizontal die scratch above the left side of the M in UNUM and a die gouge between the two feet of the statue inside the Memorial. The VDB-area gouges on the obverse provide a particularly convenient diagnostic, as this region of the coin is not subject to the same degree of wear-related ambiguity as higher-relief areas. WDDO-023 represents a variety that collectors with moderate magnification equipment (5x–10x) should be able to identify with confidence once familiar with its doubled-letter signature across the LIBER portion of LIBERTY.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Andrew Heebner Cross References: Coppercoins: 1972P-1DO-015
• Coppercoins: 1972P-1DO-015; Wexler Variety ID: 1972 1¢ WDDO-023
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References