1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-028

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler himself and cataloged as 1956 WDDR-028 Proof in the Wexler Doubled Die Files, this proof Jefferson Nickel is cross-referenced as CONECA DDR-023 (23-R-II) and displays Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling). A nice spread toward the center shows on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FIVE CENTS, and the ELLO of MONTICELLO along with the right side of the building, with all spreads increasing from left to right — a progressive left-to-right intensification pattern that places the pivot or displacement origin toward the left side of the die, causing maximum visible doubling on rightmost elements. Obverse die markers include a die gouge (dot) next to Jefferson's forehead in the field east of the ST of TRUST and a diagonal die scratch on the rim at the 7 o’clock position. Reverse markers include a pair of diagonal die scratches inside the small right window of Monticello and a die gouge (dot) at the bottom of the right arch. The CONECA DDR-023 cross-reference confirms independent catalog recognition. The proof Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1956 in copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.21 mm diameter. Felix Schlag designed both sides of the coin. John A. Wexler's personal attribution of this variety lends it particular authority, as Wexler is the founder of the doubled die cataloging system that bears his name and has documented thousands of hub doubling varieties across all U.S. denominations. The left-to-right increasing spread pattern makes the rightmost elements — the ELLO of MONTICELLO and the building's right side — the strongest diagnostic areas for this variety.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• CONECA DDR-023 (23-R-II); Wexler Variety ID: 1956 WDDR-028 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References