1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-015

Description

Attributed by Billy G. Crawford and carrying the Wexler Variety ID 1956 WDDR-015, with a CONECA cross-reference of 2-R-II-C, this Class II (distorted hub) doubled die reverse was struck on a 1956 Jefferson nickel at the Philadelphia Mint. The Jefferson nickel of this era was produced in 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter. Philadelphia produced 35,216,000 nickels in 1956, a relatively modest production year for the denomination. The Class II doubling manifests as a nice spread toward the center on E PLURIBUS UNUM, with a very close spread on OF AMERICA and CENTS, all increasing from left to right. This left-to-right progression is characteristic of rotational hub doubling where the pivot point creates differential displacement across the die face. Obverse die markers include a die gouge appearing as a dot to the left of the lower portion of the I in IN. The reverse carries multiple diagnostics: a die gouge dot just below the E and L of MONTICELLO, a strong diagonal die gouge between the F of OF and the first A of AMERICA, and a long die scratch in the same area. Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse design, depicting Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate, provides the architectural and inscription elements where this Class II doubling is visible. The CONECA cross-reference number 2-R-II-C places this variety within the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America classification system, providing an alternative attribution pathway for collectors who use the CONECA references. Billy G. Crawford's attribution work on this variety reflects the collaborative nature of die variety research, where individual researchers contribute new discoveries to the growing census of Jefferson nickel doubled dies.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Billy G. Crawford
• CONECA 2-R-II-C; Wexler Variety ID: 1956 WDDR-015
• Expert attribution by Billy G. Crawford

External References