1956 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-013

Description

Displaying the relatively uncommon Class VIII tilted hub mechanism, this 1956 Philadelphia Jefferson Nickel variety actually shows tripling — not just doubling — on the lower right side of the L and slightly on the lower right side of the I in LIBERTY. Class VIII doubling occurs when the hub is tilted at a slight angle relative to the die during hubbing, producing a rotational spread that differs from the more common lateral or vertical shifts. Tripling indicates three distinct impressions were involved, adding an extra layer of complexity to the die's production history. Attributed by Brian A. Ribar under Wexler Variety ID 1956 WDDO-013, this Felix Schlag design business strike carries distinctive obverse die markers: a series of circular die scratches on Jefferson's collar and a die gouge below BE of LIBERTY near the back of the head. Reverse markers include a die scratch through CE of MONTICELLO and two die scratches above the E of MONTICELLO. The 1956 Philadelphia nickel saw substantial production, and thirteen documented DDOs confirms intensive examination of this date by variety specialists.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1956 WDDO-013
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References