2018 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006

Description

Moderate extra thickness on the date characterizes this sixth Wexler-attributed doubled die obverse for the 2018 Lincoln Shield Cent. The "extra thickness" description indicates that the doubling manifests as noticeably thickened numeral forms rather than clearly separated secondary images — a presentation resulting from very close hub doubling where successive impressions are nearly superimposed. The Wexler Team documented specific die markers for attribution: a small die gouge (dot) north of the right side of the zero in the date, and a small die gouge to the left of the bottom of the one in the date on the obverse, with no significant reverse markers. These tiny die imperfections serve as definitive attribution tools, enabling collectors to confirm that a coin was struck from this specific die even when the primary doubling is subtle or worn. No cross-references to other attribution systems are currently known. The 2018 Lincoln Shield Cent was the ninth year of the Union Shield reverse design, produced at Philadelphia in quantities exceeding a billion coins. Six doubled die obverses documented for this date reflects the ongoing die variety research applied to modern Shield Cents, where the combination of large production volumes and affordable face-value acquisition makes systematic searching practical for hobbyists at all budget levels. The date digits on the Shield Cent obverse — positioned below Lincoln's bust — are among the design elements most frequently affected by close hub doubling, as their fine detail makes even small displacements visible under magnification. Victor David Brenner's obverse portrait, refined over more than a century of production, displays the doubling against the precisely rendered numerals that collectors have learned to examine closely.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Rodger L. Ryan Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 2018 1¢ WDDO-006
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References