1955-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-013

Description

Identified by Brian A. Ribar, this 1955-D Jefferson nickel exhibits very close Class II distorted hub doubling visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Class II doubling results from an angular misalignment between hub impressions, producing displacement that radiates from a pivot point rather than shifting uniformly. The Wexler catalog lists this as 1955-D WDDR-013. Obverse die markers include a die scratch positioned above the 19 of the date and a slanted die scratch running through the right leg of the R in LIBERTY. The reverse carries its own diagnostics: a slanted die scratch inside the right arch of Monticello and a die gouge above the left arch. These four marker points -- two obverse, two reverse -- create a reliable attribution map that isolates this specific die pair from the twelve other DDR varieties cataloged for the 1955-D nickel. Denver produced 74.5 million Jefferson nickels in 1955, a relatively low mintage by the standards of the series, which periodically saw annual outputs exceeding 200 million for individual mint marks. Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse, with its architectural details including arches, columns, windows, and steps, provides numerous fine lines where even close hub doubling can be detected under proper magnification. The "very close" spread descriptor indicates that the secondary image sits extremely near the primary image, requiring careful examination under at least 10x magnification with strong directional lighting to confirm the separation on the legends. Ribar's attribution underscores the role independent researchers play in expanding the Jefferson nickel variety census beyond the Wexler Team's core listings.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1955-D WDDR-013
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References