1956 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009

Description

Cataloged as Wexler Variety ID 1956 WDDO-009 Proof and attributed by Timothy Wissert, this 1956 Jefferson Nickel exhibits Class VI distended hub doubling — a type where the hub expands or contracts between impressions, producing extra thickness radiating toward or away from the center on affected elements. The close Class VI extra thickness manifests on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and the date, giving each letter and digit a subtly bolder appearance compared to normal strikes. Obverse die markers include a short diagonal die scratch on Jefferson's nose just above his nostril, a die dot above his eyelid, and a vertical die gouge in the upper right portion of the W in WE. The reverse of this die is listed as 1956 Pr 5c WDDR-032, establishing this as a combination variety with both obverse and reverse hub doubling — an uncommon pairing that indicates both dies in this proof die pair experienced independent hubbing anomalies. The 1956 Jefferson Nickel proof was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 75% copper and 25% nickel composition, weighing 5.0 grams at 21.2 mm diameter. Felix Schlag's portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse positions IN GOD WE TRUST at upper left, LIBERTY at center left, and the date at lower left. Proof production in 1956 totaled 669,384 sets. The Class VI distended hub mechanism is distinct from the more common Class I through V hub misalignment varieties, as the expansion/contraction affects elements concentrically rather than directionally.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Wexler Variety ID: 1956 WDDO-009 Proof
• Expert attribution by Timothy Wissert

External References