2016 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Strong extra thickness on the letters of LIBERTY distinguishes this fourth Wexler-cataloged doubled die obverse for the 2016 Lincoln Shield Cent, with notches visible on the lower left of the RTY providing a quick diagnostic for attribution. The "strong" descriptor places WDDO-004 among the more visually prominent doubled dies for this date, with the extra thickness on LIBERTY representing a close secondary hub impression that added material to each letter's profile. Die markers for positive identification include a small die gouge above the left side of the B in LIBERTY and a small die gouge to the left of the upper I of IN on the obverse, with no significant reverse markers. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID: 2016 1-cent WDDO-004 with no additional known cross-references, this variety was attributed by the Wexler Team. The 2016 cent continues the Union Shield reverse design introduced in 2010, and doubled die obverses from this era demonstrate that despite advances in computer-aided die manufacturing and quality control, hub doubling events still occur with sufficient frequency to produce collectible varieties. The distinction between "extra thickness" doubling and the more dramatic "spread" doubling lies in the magnitude of displacement: extra thickness indicates the secondary hubbing shifted only fractions of a millimeter, adding mass to the design elements without producing a clearly separated doubled image. Four documented DDOs for 2016 represents a moderate count consistent with normal production die variety yields. The notching on RTY and the specific die gouges provide a reliable attribution toolkit for collectors examining Shield Cents from this year.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Robert J. Piazza Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 2016 1¢ WDDO-004
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References