1987 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Attributed by the Wexler team and cataloged as Wexler Variety ID 1987 1¢ WDDO-001, this doubled die obverse on the 1987 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent shows spread towards center on the date and the right side of the bust bottom. The "spread towards center" classification indicates the secondary hub impression shifted inward relative to the primary, displacing design elements toward the coin's geometric center rather than toward the rim — a direction that concentrates doubling effects on the inner edges of peripheral design features. The date and the right side of Lincoln's bust bottom, being the lowest obverse elements, register this inward displacement most clearly. Two die stages are documented for the obverse and reverse, with Stage B showing heavy abrasion that significantly alters the die's surface character. Heavy abrasion in Stage B likely reflects an intentional or incidental die resurfacing that ground down some of the original detail, potentially diminishing the visibility of the doubling on late-stage specimens compared to Stage A coins. No cross-references to other attribution systems are currently known for this variety, making the Wexler designation the sole published catalog entry. Struck at Philadelphia (no mint mark) on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm, from the 1987 mintage of 4,682,466,931 cents. Die Markers: Obverse Stage A: A die gouge can be found between the S and T in TRUST. A short die scratch runs NE from the top of the bowtie. A short vertical die scratch can be found to the right of the second T in TRUST. Numerous die scratches run ENE from the front of the bust. A strong die scratch runs SW from the back of the neck. Reverse Stage A: Two die gouges can be found inside the lower E in ONE. A die scratch runs SSW/NNE in the first Memorial bay. Numerous die scratches run mostly E/W above and below the Memorial.

Attribution History

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1987 1¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References