1978 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001

Description

Designated DDO-001 for the 1978 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent, this doubled die obverse variety presents extra thickness on LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the date. Hub doubling that manifests as uniform extra thickness across multiple legend and numeral groups typically indicates a Class V (pivoted hub doubling) or Class VIII (tilted hub doubling) mechanism, where the displacement between successive hub impressions was sufficient to thicken the design elements without producing the clearly separated secondary images associated with wider-spread Class I or Class II varieties. Die markers UVC-2835 and DMR-002 serve as the definitive diagnostics for confirming attribution — these characteristics are unique to this specific working die and distinguish DDO-001 from any other doubled die variety that may exist for the 1978 Philadelphia date. Philadelphia struck its 1978 cents without a mint mark, as was standard practice for the facility's cent production until 1980, and the coins were produced from 95% copper planchets. The production volume at Philadelphia during 1978 was substantial, ensuring that specimens of this variety entered general circulation in meaningful numbers. Collectors searching for DDO-001 should focus on the obverse legends under moderate magnification, looking for the extra thickness that distinguishes hub doubling from the flat, shelf-like displacement characteristic of machine doubling, which carries no premium value.

Die Markers

• UVC-2835; DMR-002

External References