1999 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1999 1¢ WDDR-006, this Lincoln Memorial Cent is a replacement listing that superseded the original WDDR-006 entry, which had been assigned to a "wavy steps" variety now reclassified because wavy steps are no longer believed to represent true doubled die effects. The relisting maintains catalog sequence continuity while updating the documented variety to one meeting current attribution criteria for genuine hub doubling. The distinction between wavy steps and authentic doubled dies was clarified through accumulated research showing that staircase undulations on Memorial Cent reverses can originate from die erosion patterns, flow line dynamics during metal displacement in the striking chamber, or incomplete hubbing contact — mechanisms distinct from the misaligned successive hub impressions that define true doubled dies. No additional cross-references are currently known. The 1999 Lincoln Memorial Cent was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in copper-plated zinc composition (97.5% zinc, 2.5% copper), weighing 2.50 grams with a diameter of 19.05 mm. The year 1999 is particularly notable for the sheer volume of doubled die varieties cataloged — this is the sixth in the WDDR sequence alone — reflecting the enormous die population generated by annual cent production exceeding 5 billion pieces. Frank Gasparro\'s Lincoln Memorial reverse design, with its detailed architectural elements including the 12 columns and multi-tiered staircase, provides numerous design features that can manifest doubling effects when hub misalignment occurs. Victor David Brenner\'s obverse portrait has been in continuous use since the denomination\'s inception in 1909.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known Comments: This is a replacement listing. The original listing was a “wavy steps” variety and these are no longer believed to be doubled dies.
• None known Comments: This is a replacement listing. The original listing was a “wavy steps” variety and these are no longer believed to be doubled dies.; Wexler Variety ID: 1999 1¢ WDDR-006
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References