1956 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008

Description

Exhibiting Class II distorted hub doubling, the 1956 Jefferson nickel WDDO-008 presents a close spread toward the center on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date, with the strongest expression visible on LIBERTY where slight separation appears at the bottoms of the letters. Class II varieties result from a minor angular shift between hub impressions during the die-sinking process, producing a distinctive pattern where the doubling radiates from a pivot point rather than shifting uniformly in one direction. Die marker diagnostics for this obverse include a die dot positioned just below Jefferson's collar, directly beneath his ear. On the reverse, two die dots serve as attribution anchors: one above the second S of STATES and another below the N of UNUM. These specific diagnostics distinguish WDDO-008 from the other seven DDO varieties cataloged for the 1956 date and are essential for positive identification. The 1956 Jefferson nickel was produced exclusively at Philadelphia with a mintage of 35.2 million business strikes, a modest figure that reflected the decade's generally lower production numbers compared to later years. Felix Schlag's portrait of Jefferson, in use since 1938, had been slightly modified over the years, and the 1956 obverse die shows the mature version of the design that would continue through 2004. Collectors examining potential WDDO-008 candidates should use a 10x loupe focused on the bases of the letters in LIBERTY, where the Class II spread creates the most visible secondary image separation.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die dot just below Jefferson's collar directly below his ear.
• Reverse: Die dot above second S of STATES; die dot below N of UNUM.

External References