1972-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Cataloged as Wexler Variety ID 1972-S 1¢ Pr WDDO-002, this proof Lincoln Memorial cent from the San Francisco Mint exhibits a very close spread directed toward the center, visible on the LI of LIBERTY. The designation "Pr" in the Wexler variety identifier explicitly marks this as a proof die variety — confirmed by proof specimens showing the characteristic mirrored fields and frosted devices of San Francisco's proof production. No external cross-references have been established for this variety. The doubling is notably subtle: a "very close spread towards the center" on only two letters (LI) represents minimal hub displacement during the die-making process, producing a variety that requires careful examination under moderate magnification (10x–20x) to confirm. The lack of significant obverse or reverse die markers further challenges identification, as collectors cannot rely on supplementary surface features to screen potential candidates before the detailed examination of LIBERTY necessary to confirm the spread. Despite its subtlety, WDDO-002 holds interest for collectors of San Francisco proof varieties because proof coins are produced under controlled conditions with deliberately limited mintages — meaning any die variety affecting a proof die necessarily appears on a smaller total population of coins than a comparable variety on a business-strike die running at production-line speeds. The proof striking process also preserves die variety detail with superior clarity compared to business strikes, as the multiple-blow proof striking method and polished planchets produce sharper impressions that can reveal even minimal doubling with greater visual definition. Collectors examining 1972-S proof cents should focus careful attention on the LI area of LIBERTY when screening for this variety.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1972-S 1¢ Pr WDDO-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References