2016 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-015

Description

Fifteenth in the Wexler catalog of doubled die obverses for the 2016 Lincoln Shield Cent, WDDO-015 presents strong extra thickness on LIBERTY with lighter spread on the date. The characterization as "strong" distinguishes this variety from many modern doubled dies where the effect is marginal — here the thickness is pronounced enough to be apparent under moderate magnification. Die markers include parallel die scratches running southwest from the lower G in GOD, providing a secondary attribution point. Lyndall Bass's Union Shield reverse, introduced in 2010 to replace the Memorial, carries E PLURIBUS UNUM on a banner across the shield, while Brenner's obverse portrait has remained essentially unchanged since 1909. The 2016 cent was struck on copper-plated zinc planchets at Philadelphia, and fifteen cataloged doubled die obverses for this single year attest to the massive die production modern cent coinage requires. The strong LIBERTY doubling should be the first examination point, with the parallel die scratches near the G in GOD serving as confirmation.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Vivien Bullard Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 2016 1¢ WDDO-015
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References