1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-027

Description

Cross-referenced as CONECA 4-R-II and attributed by John A. Wexler, the 1956 WDDR-027 is a proof Jefferson nickel exhibiting Class II Distorted Hub Doubling with close spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM. Class II doubling on proof dies is particularly notable because proof dies are manufactured with extra care, yet the hubbing process can still produce distortion artifacts regardless of the die's intended use. Die markers include scratches in Jefferson's hair on the obverse, slanted die scratches at the lower left of the long left window on the reverse, and a die scratch above the right arch. The 1956 proof set had a mintage of 669,384, all struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Close spread on the motto requires magnification to fully appreciate, but the letters of E PLURIBUS UNUM on proof specimens benefit from the sharply struck, mirror-finish fields that make even subtle doubling more detectable than on business strikes. Proof doubled dies are sought by collectors who value the intersection of premium striking quality and die-manufacturing anomalies.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• CONECA 4-R-II; Wexler Variety ID: 1956 WDDR-027 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References