1997-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

WDDR-001 occupies a notable place in the record for the 1997-D Lincoln Memorial Cent: the original variety assigned this number — a so-called "wavy steps" variety on the Memorial reverse — is no longer recognized as a true doubled die. Research determined that the wavy steps appearance results from die wear or planchet surface variation rather than from a genuine hub doubling event. This listing is the replacement variety assigned to the WDDR-001 slot after the original was delisted, documented by the Wexler Team and catalogued as Wexler Variety ID 1997-D 1¢ WDDR-001. The 1997-D Lincoln Memorial Cent was struck in copper-plated zinc at the Denver Mint. The Lincoln Memorial reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro and introduced in 1959, was the subject of extensive doubled die study throughout its run, with the wavy steps episode serving as a cautionary example for collectors distinguishing genuine machine doubling from authentic hub-doubled varieties. Cross-reference: Wexler Variety ID: 1997-D 1¢ WDDR-001.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Daniel Griffin Cross References: None known Comments: The original listing was a “wavy steps” variety and these are no longer believed to be doubled dies. This is a replacement for that die.
• None known Comments: The original listing was a “wavy steps” variety and these are no longer believed to be doubled dies. This is a replacement for that die.; Wexler Variety ID: 1997-D 1¢ WDDR-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References