1997 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-015

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team under Wexler Variety ID 1997 1¢ WDDR-015, this doubled die reverse on the 1997 Philadelphia Mint Lincoln Memorial Cent exhibits a bar extending from the upper hand of the Lincoln statue to the middle of the knee, creating a linear element across the seated figure. The doubling affects the statue area between Memorial columns, where the secondary hub impression displaced the fine sculptural details of Daniel Chester French's seated Lincoln. Die markers on the obverse include a minor die crack and light die deterioration consistent with extended production use. The Memorial reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro and in continuous production from 1959 through 2008, depicts the Lincoln Memorial with its columned facade and central seated figure. The bar-like doubling connecting the hand to the knee provides an accessible pickup point, as this linear element contrasts sharply with the statue's natural contours. Collectors examining the statue area between the inner columns can locate this variety by identifying the extra material bridging the gap between Lincoln's upper hand and knee. Reverse: Die gouge can be found over the right corner of the memorial base. Die gouge can be found at top left of fourth column. Die gouge can be found touching the left upper D of UNITED. Die gouge inside the upper right E of UNITED.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Daniel Griffin Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1997 1¢ WDDR-015
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References