1983 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007

Description

One of the most mechanically unusual varieties in the 1983 census, WDDO-007 displays a rare dual-direction spread — design elements on LIBERTY and the date spread toward the rim while IN GOD WE TRUST spreads toward the center — indicating a complex hubbing misalignment combining distortion and offset. Cataloged as Wexler WDDO-007, this variety is documented across two die states. At Stage A, the obverse exhibits a circular die scratch pattern on Lincoln's neck, a rotational mark likely from die polishing. Stage B introduces die scratches running northwest-southeast through GOD and west-northwest to east-southeast to the right of the profile. The reverse chronicles progressive die aging: Stage A shows a die gouge below the N in UNITED, a strong die gouge running southwest-northeast through the lower right Memorial base, and a die crack from the right Memorial base to the rim. By Stage B, numerous east-west die scratches have developed below the Memorial, and a second die crack extends from the left Memorial base to the rim, indicating the reverse die was nearing the end of its service life. The opposing spread directions on obverse inscriptions make this variety diagnostically distinctive and mechanically significant among 1983 doubled dies. Attribution by Wexler Team.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Bill & Debbie O’Rourke Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1983 1¢ WDDO-007
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References