1981-D Debunked WDMM-001 - Die Gouge

Description

Originally cataloged as Wexler Doubled Mint Mark WDMM-001 on the 1981-D Lincoln Memorial cent, this variety was subsequently debunked — reclassified from a doubled mintmark to a die gouge after closer examination revealed that the apparent doubling was caused by damage to the die surface rather than a genuine secondary impression of the D mintmark. Doubled mintmark varieties arise from the mintmark punch being applied to the die more than once, producing a distinct secondary image with its own complete letterform contours. A die gouge, by contrast, creates an irregular raised mark on struck coins that may superficially resemble doubling but lacks the systematic shape and definition of a true repunched or doubled mintmark. The Wexler Team's decision to debunk WDMM-001 reflects the rigorous attribution standards maintained in their catalog: varieties that cannot be conclusively demonstrated to result from a genuine doubling mechanism are reclassified rather than left in the catalog under a potentially misleading designation. For collectors who may encounter this variety listed under its original WDMM-001 designation in older references, the current consensus is clear — the anomaly is a die gouge, not true mintmark doubling. The 1981-D cent was struck at the Denver Mint from 95% copper planchets. Cross-referenced as Debunked Wexler Variety ID: 1981-D 1 cent WDMM-001. Attribution by Wexler Team.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Allen Cross References: None known Comments: In view of the debunking of
• Debunked Wexler Variety ID: 1981-D 1¢ WDMM-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References