1953 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler as 1953 WDDO-001 Proof and extensively cross-referenced as CONECA 1-O-II and Cherrypickers FS-5-1953-032.7, this proof Jefferson Nickel exhibits Class II Distorted Hub Doubling with a strong spread toward the center on IN GOD WE TRUST — the variety's most prominent feature — along with doubling on the hair at the top of the front of Jefferson's head, his nose, the front of his collar, and slightly on LIBERTY, the star, and the date. The center-directed spread on IN GOD WE TRUST creates a convergent doubling pattern where the letters' secondary images are displaced inward, making the extra thickness most visible on the outward-facing edges of each letter. The Cherrypickers listing at FS-5-1953-032.7 confirms this as a variety actively sought by collectors examining proof sets, elevating it to a recognized "cherrypicking" target within the standard attribution literature. Obverse die markers include a die scratch on the bottom back of the bust and a short die crack at the top of Jefferson's hair at the 12 o'clock position, while the reverse die is separately listed as 1953 5c WDDR-002 — making this another combination DDO/DDR variety. The dual DDO/DDR status significantly enhances the numismatic significance of this die pair. Felix Schlag designed the Jefferson Nickel, struck as a proof at the Philadelphia Mint in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.00 grams with a 21.21 mm diameter. The CONECA 1-O-II designation as the primary Class II doubled die obverse for the 1953 date confirms its premier catalog position within the Jefferson Nickel variety population, and the combination of strong IN GOD WE TRUST doubling with portrait feature displacement across the hair, nose, and collar creates a multi-element variety with robust diagnostic potential.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• CONECA 1-O-II; FS-5-1953-032.7; Wexler Variety ID: 1953 WDDO-001 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References