1955 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-009

Description

Classified as Class II Distorted Hub Doubling, the 1955 Philadelphia Jefferson nickel WDDR-009 shows close doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM, concentrating the variety's diagnostic evidence on the reverse motto above Monticello. Class II doubling results from a rotational misalignment during the secondary hub impression, and the close designation indicates the rotation's angular displacement was minimal, producing doubling that requires careful magnification to detect. Philadelphia struck approximately 8.3 million nickels in 1955, one of the lower post-war mintages for the denomination — a figure that makes any die variety from this date relatively scarce in absolute terms. The reverse die carries a specific diagnostic marker: a short die gouge to the lower left of the small left window on Monticello's facade. This architectural detail from Felix Schlag's rendering serves as an essential secondary identifier, as the die gouge confirms the working die identity independent of the doubled die characteristic. No significant obverse die markers were noted. Close Class II doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM demands precise examination technique — collectors should use high-quality lighting at oblique angles to cast shadows that reveal the secondary letter impressions alongside the primary text. The motto's position above the Monticello building provides a relatively uncluttered diagnostic zone where the letters stand against an open field. WDDR-009 represents the ninth cataloged reverse doubled die for the 1955 date, reflecting sustained examination of a lower-mintage year that rewards careful cherry-picking with scarcer-than-average varieties.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Short die gouge to lower left of small left window.

External References