1989 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Among the strongest doubled die obverses in the 1989 Philadelphia Mint census, WDDO-003 (Wexler variety ID 1989 1¢ WDDO-003) displays strong spread towards center on the date, with lesser but still visible doubling on LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST. Two die stages are documented for both the obverse and reverse, creating a four-part matrix of die state combinations. Stage A represents the die in its earlier production phase, while Stage B shows the obverse with heavy abrading in a west-northwest to east-southeast direction — evidence that the Mint's die maintenance team polished the die aggressively, likely to extend its service life or remove clash marks. This directional abrading is visible as parallel lines across the die surface and can partially obscure the doubling evidence on Stage B specimens. The strong spread classification places WDDO-003 at the upper end of the doubling visibility spectrum, meaning the separation between primary and secondary hub impressions is readily apparent under moderate magnification — the date numerals in particular should show clearly doubled profiles. The dual-stage documentation on both obverse and reverse provides collectors with four potential die state combinations for attribution. No additional cross-references are currently known. Struck on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm. Strong extra thickness spread towards the center shows on the date. Lesser extra thickness shows on LIBERTY and IGWT. Die Markers: Obverse Stage A: A small die gouge can be found inside the upper second nine in the date. Obverse Stage B: The obverse has been abraded with numerous die scratches running mostly WNW/ESE to the left and right of the bust. Reverse Stage A: Parallel die scratches curve NE from the top of the O in ONE. Parallel die scratches run NW from the top of the T in CENT. Numerous die scratches run mostly NW/SE below the Memorial. Reverse Stage B: The reverse has been heavily abraded with numerous die scratches now running mostly WNW/ESE throughout the reverse.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Lou Coles Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1989 1¢ WDDO-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References