1976-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team as 1976-D 1¢ WDDO-001, this doubled die obverse variety from the Denver Mint displays extra thickness on IN GOD WE TRUST, with some letters of TRUST also showing evidence of a Class II spread directed towards the center. Slight extra thickness is additionally visible on LIBERTY. Class II doubling (distorted hub doubling) results from a slight rotational displacement of the hub between successive impressions during the die-making process, producing a pivoted spread that manifests differently depending on each letter's distance from the pivot axis. The combination of extra thickness with directional spreading on TRUST suggests that this die experienced both Class II rotation and some degree of hub distortion during manufacture. Detailed die markers anchor the attribution on both sides of the coin: on the obverse, a small die gouge protrudes from the lower left of the 6 in the date, a die gouge (dot) can be found under the horizontal bar of the 7, and another die gouge sits between the lower 9 and 7. On the reverse, a small die gouge (dot) is positioned to the right of the upper T in CENT. These diagnostics allow collectors to distinguish WDDO-001 from other 1976-D doubled die obverse varieties that might display superficially similar doubling characteristics but originate from different dies. Denver's "D" mint mark was still hand-punched into working dies during this era, and the enormous 1976 cent production ensured that this variety entered general circulation where specimens can still be discovered through patient roll searching and cherry-picking.

Die Markers

• Obverse: A small die gouge protrudes from the lower left of the 6 in the date. A die gouge (dot) can be found under the horizontal bar of the 7 and another between the lower 9 and 7. Reverse: A small die gouge (dot) can be found to the right of the upper T in CENT.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Wexler Team

External References