1993-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-008

Description

One of the most data-rich entries in the entire 1993-D Lincoln cent catalog, WDDR-008 exhibits tilted doubling in the lower seventh Memorial bay and documents a remarkable production history: the reverse die was paired with two different obverse dies during its service life, creating two distinct die stages with completely different obverse diagnostics. Stage A — the first obverse pairing — carries a die gouge to the right of the N in IN, a gouge on the right edge of the O in GOD, and a gouge near one of Lincoln's hair curls. When that obverse die was retired, the Mint paired the same doubled die reverse with a fresh obverse, creating Stage B with an entirely new set of obverse markers: scratches between the W and E of WE, a gouge above the second T of TRUST, a gouge at the rim at approximately the 3 o'clock position, and a gouge behind the bust truncation. The reverse die markers also evolved across stages: Stage A shows gouges inside the U of UNITED and above the R of AMERICA, while Stage B retains those original markers and adds new gouges between the N and I of UNITED and to the right of the F in OF — evidence that the reverse die accumulated additional damage during the transition between obverse pairings. This two-stage die history means collectors may encounter WDDR-008 cents with either Stage A or Stage B obverse characteristics, and both are attributable to the same doubled die reverse variety. The stage documentation transforms a simple variety listing into a window on Mint die management: the decision to re-pair a reverse die with a new obverse confirms the reverse was still deemed serviceable despite its doubled die condition, doubling, and accumulating surface damage. Struck at Denver on copper-plated zinc planchets, 2.5 grams, 19mm, plain edge. Very light, E-W oriented die scratches run between the W and E in WE.

Attribution History

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1993-D 1¢ WDDR-008
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References