1989 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-007

Description

Among the most broadly distributed doubled die reverses in the 1989 census, WDDR-007 (Wexler variety ID 1989 1¢ WDDR-007) displays strong spread towards the rim on E PLURIBUS UNUM, the column dots flanking the Memorial entrance, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE CENT, the designer's initials FG, and the shrubbery on both sides of the Memorial steps. The involvement of the shrubbery — fine botanical detail elements flanking the staircase — is particularly diagnostic, as these delicate design features are among the most sensitive indicators of hub displacement on the Memorial reverse. Die cracks descend through the first two Memorial columns on the reverse, tracing vertical fracture lines down the architectural elements and revealing structural fatigue in the die steel. The strong-towards-rim spread direction means the secondary hub impression was displaced outward from center, pushing doubled images toward the coin's edge across virtually every major design element on the reverse. The breadth of affected elements — spanning motto, denomination, initials, dots, and architectural details — makes WDDR-007 one of the more visually rewarding doubled die reverses for this date. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint on copper-plated zinc planchets (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper) at 2.5 grams and 19mm. Die Markers: Obverse: Light die scratches run NNE from the upper LIB of LIBERTY. A light die scratch runs NW/SE through the upper loop of the second nine in the date. Reverse: A small die gouge can be found above the tip of the right cornice.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Conway Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1989 1¢ WDDR-007
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References