1950-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cross-referenced as Wexler 1950-D WDDR-001, this Jefferson Nickel reverse is designated a "Best Of" Nickel Doubled Die Variety — a distinction reserved for the most significant and visually dramatic doubled dies in the entire Jefferson Nickel series. The variety displays Class VI Distended Hub Doubling, where the working hub expanded slightly (distended) between impressions, producing extreme extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM, AMERICA, and the letters ELLO of MONTICELLO. Class VI doubling creates a uniform outward expansion of the secondary impression relative to the primary, producing thickening that is most visible on letters and design elements near the periphery of the distension zone. Obverse die markers include a die scratch below Jefferson's chin and a series of die scratches to the right of the second T in TRUST. The reverse shows a die gouge inside the lower portion of the R in AMERICA. Struck at the Denver Mint in standard copper-nickel composition — 75% copper and 25% nickel — at 5.0 grams and 21.21 mm diameter, the 1950-D nickel is already a notable date due to its status as a key date in the series with a mintage of only 2.63 million coins — the lowest regular-issue mintage in the Jefferson Nickel series. The combination of key-date status and "Best Of" doubled die designation makes this variety one of the most sought-after Jefferson Nickel varieties in existence, commanding significant premiums in all grades. The extreme thickness on multiple reverse inscriptions makes this variety identifiable even at moderate magnification levels.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1950=D WDDR-001 "Best Of" Nickel Doubled Die Varieties
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References