1972-S Proof Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

This proof parent listing documents the same variety as 1972-S WDDR-001 — the sole documented Wexler doubled die reverse for the 1972 San Francisco proof Lincoln Memorial cent. The doubling appears at an angle on the floor below the statue inside the Lincoln Memorial, affecting the architectural floor line detail of the reverse design. As a proof coin, the Memorial interior — including the floor area where the doubling is concentrated — is struck with the full multi-impression proof process that produces maximum design detail in recessed areas, ensuring the doubled floor line is rendered with clarity that would be difficult to achieve on a standard business strike. The obverse die paired with this reverse carries distinctive markers: a die gouge well to the right of the second T of TRUST; light vertical die scratches through Lincoln's upper forehead and front hair curl; and light vertical die scratches in the shoulder fold of Lincoln's jacket. The reverse die itself — where the doubling resides — shows light concentric die scratches in Memorial bays 8 through 11 as well as on both the right and left cornice and right and left roof areas, plus small die gouges in Memorial bays 2 and 3. The concentric scratch pattern across multiple bays suggests a die polishing event that left circular residual marks on the working surface. As the only doubled die reverse documented for 1972-S proofs, this variety occupies a unique position: collectors seeking reverse doubling on 1972-S proof cents need look only for this single die, making focused examination of the Memorial floor area a targeted and efficient search strategy for anyone working through proof sets of this date.

Die Markers

• Obverse: A die gouge can be found well right of the second T of TRUST. Light, vertical die scratches run through Lincoln’s upper forehead and front hair curl. A series of light vertical die scratches show in the shoulder fold of Lincoln’s jacket. Reverse: Light concentric die scratches can be found in memorial bays 8, 9, 10, and 11, on the right and left cornice, and on the right and left roof. Small die gouges can be found in memorial bays 2 and 3.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References