1955-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler, the 1955-D WDDR-003 Jefferson nickel is a Class II Distorted Hub Doubling variety showing close spread on STATES OF AMERICA and UNUM on the reverse. Class II doubling results from distortion of the hub during the impression process, producing a characteristically tight spread that differs from the wider separation of rotational or pivot doubling. Die markers for attribution include a die dot positioned between and below the letters BE of LIBERTY on the obverse, three slanted die scratches above RIB of PLURIBUS on the reverse, and slanted die scratches visible inside the O of OF. Denver struck 74.4 million nickels in 1955. Class II varieties require careful examination because the close spread can be mistaken for strike doubling or machine doubling by inexperienced collectors. The directional consistency of the spread across multiple letters confirms true hub doubling rather than mechanical artifacts from the striking process.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1955-D WDDR-003
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References