1955 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Recognized as a standout among proof Jefferson Nickel doubled dies, the 1955 WDDO-001 combines Class II distorted hub doubling with Class VI distended hub doubling to produce strong tripled spread on IN GOD WE TRUST and strong doubled spread on LIBERTY, with lesser spread visible on the Monticello star and the date. The Class II plus Class VI combination indicates two distinct mechanisms acted during die-sinking, creating both directional displacement and extra thickness effects simultaneously. Obverse die markers include circular die scratches on Jefferson's forehead and the top of his head, and the examined specimen was in late die state. The paired reverse die is itself a doubled die cataloged as 1955 5 cent WDDR-010, forming a dual doubled die marriage where both sides carry attributable hub doubling. This Philadelphia Mint proof issue's strong tripled spread on the trust motto places it among the most visually dramatic nickel doubled dies of the 1950s, with the dual-mechanism doubling producing layered displacement that is more complex than varieties generated by a single class of hub error.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Circular die scratches on Jefferson’s forehead and top of his head.  Coin examined was LDS.
• Reverse: Listed as 1955 5c WDDR-010.

External References