1972-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Distinguished by its unusual doubling classification, 1972-S 1¢ WDDO-003 is attributed as Class VIII by CONECA (cross-referenced as CONECA 3-O-VIII) — a tilted hub doubling class that produces offset impressions at an angle rather than through the rotational pivot characteristic of Class I varieties. This regular strike San Francisco Mint cent shows doubling only on the lower part of the "2" in the date, making it one of the most localized doubled dies in the 1972-S catalog. The variety is additionally cross-referenced as Crawford CDDO-002 and Coppercoins 1972S-1DO-004, confirming independent documentation by multiple attribution services. The Wexler Variety ID is 1972-S 1¢ WDDO-003. The obverse die markers are extensive and highly diagnostic: two small die gouges (dots) can be found on the bottom left of the base of the bust; a short die scratch runs northeast from the top left of the R in LIBERTY; a die scratch runs from north to south inside the upper left W of WE. On the reverse: a die scratch runs northwest from the bottom left side of the first column; a die scratch runs from northwest to southeast in the lower second bay; a die gouge can be found near the top of the eighth bay; and a die scratch runs north-northeast from near the top right side of the tenth column. This rich set of die markers — particularly the paired dots at the bust base and the directional scratches on both sides — provides multiple independent confirmation points, making WDDO-003 one of the more readily attributable varieties in the 1972-S catalog once collectors know where to look. The Class VIII tilted hub mechanism is relatively uncommon compared to Class I rotational doubling, adding numismatic research interest beyond the variety's collectibility.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Frank Baumann Cross References: CONECA: 3-O-VIII, Crawford: CDDO-002, Coppercoins: 1972S-1DO-004
• CONECA: 3-O-VIII, Crawford: CDDO-002, Coppercoins: 1972S-1DO-004; Wexler Variety ID: 1972-S 1¢ WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References