2003 (P) Lincoln Memorial Cent - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008

Description

Eighth in the Wexler Team's doubled die obverse catalog for 2003, the Lincoln Memorial Cent WDDO-008 shows extra thickness on LIBERTY with notching on the bottom right of E-R-T-Y. The notching — small stepped irregularities along letter edges — indicates the hub shifted slightly between impressions during die manufacture, disturbing contours without producing wide separation. A die gouge on the front of Lincoln's neck provides a secondary confirmation marker, distinguishing this working die from others in the 2003 production run. By 2003, Frank Gasparro's Memorial reverse had been in use since 1959, and the cent was struck on copper-plated zinc planchets that replaced brass in 1982. Modern Lincoln Cent doubled dies are relatively common discoveries owing to enormous production volumes, but each documented variety adds to the comprehensive record of die manufacture variations. The WDDO prefix identifies this as a Wexler-cataloged doubled die obverse. Examine LIBERTY under magnification, focusing on the lower right edges of E through Y for notching, then confirm by locating the die gouge on Lincoln's neck.

Cross References

• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 2003 1¢ WDDO-008

External References