1917 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002

Description

Second Wexler-cataloged doubled die reverse for the 1917 Buffalo Nickel, WDDR-002 exhibits a spread towards the center on E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, a Class IV hub doubling where the secondary impression shifted inward relative to the first. Cross-referenced as CONECA 2-R-IV and attributed by Wexler as FS-05-1916-802 in the Cherrypickers' numbering system, this variety was documented by the Wexler Team. James Earle Fraser's Buffalo Nickel, introduced in 1913, features a composite portrait of three Native American chiefs on the obverse and an American bison modeled after Black Diamond from the Central Park Zoo on the reverse. The 1917 issue uses the Type 2 reverse design, where FIVE CENTS appears on a recessed flat plane below the bison — a modification made during 1913's first year to reduce the rapid wear that plagued the original raised-mound Type 1. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 21.2mm, the 1917 was produced at Philadelphia. Examine E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA for the centripetal spread, focusing on the letter outlines for the doubled contours characteristic of this Class IV variety.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kevin Flynn (
• CONECA: 2-R-IV, Cherrypickers: FS-05-1916-802 Comments: The photos for; Wexler Variety ID: 1917 5¢ WDDR-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References