1988 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003

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Verified LegacyDoubled Die Obverse

Market Value

N/A

Rarity Index

N/A

Discovery Date

1988

Last Sold

N/A

Description

Holding the coveted FS-101 designation in the Cherrypickers' Guide, DDO-003 stands as the most significant doubled die obverse for the 1988 Philadelphia Lincoln Memorial cent in the Cherrypickers' Guide to Rare Die Varieties — the definitive variety reference that identifies the most commercially important die varieties across all U.S. coin series. The hallmark diagnostic is strong spread south manifesting as an extra lower earlobe beneath Lincoln's ear, a dramatic and immediately recognizable doubling effect that has made this variety iconic among Lincoln cent collectors. The extra earlobe forms when Class II hub rotation during die manufacture displaces Lincoln's ear detail sufficiently to create a distinct secondary lobe below the primary ear, producing an effect visible even to collectors examining coins without magnification. Cataloged as UVC-3025 and DMR-010, this die was paired with a reverse of the RDV-005 design. The Cherrypickers' FS-101 designation places this among the elite tier of cherry-pickable varieties — coins that can be found in circulation or dealer stock by knowledgeable collectors who know the diagnostic markers. Specimens in mint state with full red color command significant premiums over common 1988 cents, and the variety is actively sought at coin shows, in roll searches, and through online dealer inventories. Struck at Philadelphia on copper-plated zinc planchets at 2.5 grams and 19mm.