1951 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Struck as a proof coin at Philadelphia, the 1951 Jefferson nickel WDDO-001 is one of the most significant doubled die obverse attributions in the proof nickel series, cross-referenced as CONECA 1-O-V and FS-5-1951-032.5. The doubling is Class V, Pivoted Hub type — a clockwise spread from a pivot at approximately 6 o'clock. This geometry pushes the secondary impression outward along the upper arcs of the devices: IN GOD WE TRUST, Jefferson's profile, LIBERTY, the star, and the date all show displacement. The lower letter portions of IN are strongly tripled on the best specimens, with much of the remainder of IN GOD WE TRUST also showing evidence of a third hub impression. Proof Jefferson nickels from the early 1950s were struck on mirror-finish planchets using polished dies, so doubling appears with exceptional sharpness. Die markers confirming the working die are a dot-form die gouge below the U of TRUST on the obverse, and a die gouge running from the upper left of the 5 in the date to the rim on the reverse. The FS Cherrypickers designation is directly relevant when submitting for third-party grading.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die gouge (dot) below U of TRUST.
• Reverse: Die gouge from upper left of 5 of date to rim.

Attribution History

• CONECA 1-O-V; FS-5-1951-032.5

External References