1988 (D) Lincoln Memorial Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Attributed as 1988-D 1¢ WDDO-004 by the Wexler Team, this doubled die obverse shows extra thickness on the date and LIBERTY, with weak separation lines on the 1 and 9 and weak notches on the lower digits. The characterization of separation lines as "weak" and notches as "weak" places this variety toward the subtler end of the doubling spectrum, where the hub displacement between impressions was minimal — enough to create detectable thickening and edge irregularities, but not enough to produce the bold, clearly separated secondary images seen on more dramatic doubled dies. Identification therefore depends heavily on die markers: a die scratch running northwest from the center of the first 8 in the date and a diagonal die gouge above the space between the 1 and 9 provide the obverse diagnostics. The die scratch from the center of the 8 is particularly distinctive because it originates from within a numeral rather than from the surrounding field, making its starting point easy to locate under magnification. On the reverse, a die scratch from the top of the I in UNITED extending to the rim provides the confirming marker. No cross-references to other attribution systems are currently known for this variety. Struck at the Denver Mint on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1988-D 1¢ WDDO-004

External References