1989-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Extra thickness across four major reverse legends distinguishes the 1989-D WDDR-001, cataloged under Wexler variety ID 1989-D 1¢ WDDR-001. This Denver Mint doubled die reverse exhibits the doubling on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE CENT, and the designer's initials FG (Frank Gasparro). Some letter separation is visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM and the designer's initials, and notching appears on AMERICA and ONE CENT — diagnostic features indicating moderate hub doubling that shifted design elements enough to create visible secondary outlines on the affected text. The die markers are extensive and precisely documented: on the obverse, a short die gouge extends from the rim above the first T in TRUST, a die scratch runs SSE from the lower right of the G in GOD, a small die gouge sits southwest of the mint mark, and a die scratch curves from the rim through the upper D in GOD and the upper letters in WE before returning to the rim. On the reverse, a short die gouge runs south from the upper E in CENT. This constellation of markers provides confident attribution even when the doubling itself is subtle. Doubled die reverses on Lincoln Memorial cents affect the text-heavy reverse design where closely spaced lettering makes even minor hub displacement detectable, particularly on the serifs and terminals of individual letters. Struck on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jennifer Casazza Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1989-D 1¢ WDDR-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References