1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-025

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler himself and cross-referenced as CONECA 14-R-II, WDDR-025 on the 1956 proof Jefferson nickel features a very close Class II distorted hub doubling spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM. The "very close" characterization indicates the secondary image is tightly aligned with the primary, requiring careful examination — typically at 10x or higher magnification — to distinguish genuine hub doubling from die erosion or strike artifacts. Obverse die markers consist of a die dot on the upper left portion of Jefferson's collar, a subtle but precisely located diagnostic. The reverse markers are concentrated around the window area of Monticello: a die gouge between the long and small right windows, plus a die gouge (described as dot-like) above and between those same windows. Monticello's window details serve as an attribution workhorse across Jefferson nickel varieties because the architectural features — arched windows, straight columns, symmetrical roofline — provide geometric reference points against which any anomaly stands out clearly. The CONECA 14-R-II cross-reference indicates this variety has been independently verified by the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America, providing collectors with a second cataloging authority confirming the attribution. Proof dies from 1956 were prepared at Philadelphia, as San Francisco did not resume proof production until 1968.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• CONECA 14-R-II; Wexler Variety ID: 1956 WDDR-025 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References