About
Wexler's Coins and Die Varieties is the most comprehensive free online reference database for U.S. coin die varieties. Originally built by renowned numismatist John Wexler, the site catalogs thousands of verified coin varieties across multiple denominations—Lincoln cents, nickels, dimes, quarters, and dollars—with detailed photos and attribution data for each listing. The database covers a wide range of variety types including doubled dies (obverse and reverse), repunched mint marks (RPMs), over mint marks (OMMs), repunched dates, overdates, and regular design varieties. Each variety entry is assigned a unique Wexler reference number (e.g., WDDO, WDDR, WRPM) that has become an industry-standard identifier used by collectors, dealers, and grading services alike. Coin collectors and researchers can browse the online files to identify potential varieties in their own coins, and eligible varieties can be formally submitted for expert attribution. The site is regularly updated with newly discovered varieties and replacement entries. Currently managed by a new team of experienced attributors, Wexler's remains the go-to resource for serious numismatists focused on die variety collecting. It is especially valuable for collectors of Lincoln cents, State Quarters, and other 20th–21st century U.S. coinage.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Die Variety Database: Catalogs thousands of U.S. coin die varieties across denominations including doubled dies, RPMs, OMMs, overdates, and repunched dates with standardized Wexler reference numbers.
- Photo Documentation: Each variety entry includes detailed close-up photos to help collectors visually compare and identify varieties in their own coins.
- Official Attribution Submissions: Collectors can submit coins for expert attribution by the Wexler team, with newly confirmed varieties added to the official registry.
- Regular Database Updates: The site is actively maintained and updated with newly discovered varieties, replacement entries, and expanded series coverage.
- Industry-Standard Reference Numbers: Wexler variety designations (WDDO, WDDR, WRPM, etc.) are widely recognized and used by major third-party coin grading services and dealers.
Use Cases
- Identifying potential doubled die or RPM varieties in a personal coin collection before submitting for grading
- Researching the rarity and documented history of a specific U.S. coin die variety using standardized Wexler reference numbers
- Submitting a newly discovered or unattributed coin variety for official expert attribution and registry listing
- Learning about the different types of U.S. coin errors and die varieties as an educational resource for new collectors
- Verifying variety attributions on coins being bought or sold to ensure accurate and fair market valuation
Pros
- Free and Publicly Accessible: The entire die variety database is freely available online with no subscription or paywall required.
- Industry-Recognized Reference Standard: Wexler numbers are accepted by grading services and the broader numismatic community, making attributions meaningful and marketable.
- Actively Maintained Legacy Archive: Despite the founder's retirement, a dedicated new team continues updating the database with new discoveries and expanded series.
Cons
- Submission Pauses for Some Series: Attributions for certain coin series (e.g., nickel RPMs, dime and quarter varieties) are temporarily paused, limiting submission options for some collectors.
- Older Website Design: The site's interface is dated and not optimized for mobile devices, which can make browsing on smartphones or tablets cumbersome.
- Not All Varieties Are Online Yet: The goal of making all attributions fully available online is still in progress; some older or pending records may not yet be accessible digitally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a doubled die coin variety?
A doubled die occurs during the die manufacturing process when the hub imparts its design to a die more than once at slightly different positions or angles, resulting in a visible doubling of design elements (letters, numerals, devices) on coins struck from that die.
How do I submit a coin for attribution?
You can visit the coin examinations page on doubleddie.com for submission instructions. Note that some series are temporarily paused for new submissions, so check the current status before sending your coin.
What series are currently open for attribution submissions?
All Lincoln cent mint mark and doubled die varieties are currently eligible for submission with some specific year exceptions listed on the site. Nickel RPMs, dime die varieties, and quarter die varieties are temporarily paused as of December 1, 2025.
Who runs Wexler's Coins and Die Varieties?
The site is currently managed by Daniel Griffin, Tanner Scott, and John Shields, who took over following the retirement of founder John Wexler in February 2023.
Are Wexler attribution numbers recognized by coin grading services?
Yes. Wexler reference numbers (such as WDDO, WDDR, and WRPM designations) are widely recognized and used by major third-party grading services and dealers throughout the numismatic community.
