This doubled die obverse for the 1909 VDB Lincoln cent concentrates its spreading on the L of LIBERTY and across the date digits. Because the 1909 VDB is already a sought after date for its designer’s initials, confirmed doubled die examples carry an additional layer of numismatic significance. The variety is relatively accessible compared to later Lincoln cent DDOs, and specimens are collected across all grades.
This Class IV Offset Hub doubling variety displays its strongest effect across the BERTY portion of LIBERTY and the date digits. Additional spreading is visible on Lincoln’s tie and the lower portion of his jacket. As a Class IV variety the secondary image is slightly offset from the primary rather than showing the rotated spread characteristic of Class I varieties. Die marker progressions across three documented stages allow attribution of individual specimens to a specific die state.
Cross-referenced as CDDO-001 in the Crawford system, WDDO-001 in the Wexler system, CONECA 1-O-IV, and Breen 2053.
Identification Notes
LIBERTY (BERTY letters); date digits; Lincoln’s tie; lower jacket
Obverse Diagnostics
Doubling visible on V of LIBERTY and date digits. Class IV Offset Hub Doubling. Secondary image offset on BERTY of LIBERTY and date digits. Spreading also visible on Lincoln’s tie and lower jacket.
Reverse Diagnostics
Normal reverse; no doubling on reverse wheat ears.
Die Markers
Obverse Markers:
Stage A: Die chip south of R in LIBERTY.
Stage B: Die crack through E of WE (Spiked Head).
Stage C: Die scratch WNW from center of 0 in date.
Reverse Markers:
Stage A: Die scratch NE from tip of left wheat ear; VDB reverse.
Stage B: Die chip at base of D in VDB.
Stage C: Elongated die gouge east from top of M in UNUM.
This is again a distended hub doubled coin. As a result the defining characteristic is additional thickness to the deign elements. In this case the letters of LIBERTY are all thicker on their vertical sections when compared to a normal coin. But the numbers on the date are the real stars of this show, with additional thickness and in an early die state even fair separation lines on the tails of both number nines.
Depending on the die state of the coin you have die markers for this variety also include die chips inside the cavities of the letter B of LIBERTY as well as the R of that same word. Although it should be noted that the die chip in the R is also found on non variety coins as well. In lated die states clash marks can also be seen to the right of Lincoln’s thought. As well as the corresponding clash marks to the lower end of the C in CENT on the reverse of the coin.
