2019 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-012

Description

Twelfth Wexler-cataloged doubled die obverse for the 2019 Lincoln Shield Cent, WDDO-012 presents an unusual diagnostic: significant extra thickness on LIBERTY where the upper left of the Y is much thicker than the upper right. This asymmetric thickening differs from the more typical spread or shelf doubling patterns, indicating a hub shift that affected the Y in a way that added material to one side while leaving the other side relatively normal. The resulting visual effect — a Y with a noticeably heavier upper left arm — provides a distinctive and relatively easy-to-spot diagnostic under moderate magnification. The Wexler Team documents die markers: on the obverse, a die crack runs NNW from the front of the eyebrow through the forehead, and on the reverse, a small die gouge (dot) can be found south of the I in AMERICA. The obverse die crack through Lincoln's forehead serves as a particularly useful secondary diagnostic because it is visible to the naked eye on well-struck specimens. The formal Wexler Variety ID is "2019 1c WDDO-012" with no additional cross-references to other attribution systems. The 2019 Lincoln Shield Cent was produced during the tenth year of the Union Shield reverse design, and twelve documented DDO varieties for this date confirms continued die manufacturing variability even as modern hubbing technology has generally reduced the frequency of major doubled dies. Collectors examining 2019 cents should pay particular attention to the LIBERTY inscription, specifically comparing the thickness of the Y's upper arms — the asymmetry described here provides an intuitive attribution checkpoint that does not require extensive experience with doubled die identification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Gary Braswell Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 2019 1¢ WDDO-012
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References