1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-037

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar, WDDR-037 on the 1956 proof Jefferson nickel is a Class II distorted hub doubled die reverse showing a nice spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and a closer spread on AMERICA. The differing intensity across these two inscriptions — stronger on E PLURIBUS UNUM than on AMERICA — is characteristic of Class II distorted hub doubling, where the degree of displacement varies across the die face depending on distance from the distortion's epicenter. Obverse die markers include a series of die dots and scratches on Jefferson's temple. The reverse carries two diagnostic features in the window area of Monticello: two die dots below the small right window and a curving die gouge above the large center semicircular window. As a 1956 proof issue, this coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the era when San Francisco had temporarily ceased proof production (1955-1967 proofs were Philadelphia products). The proof striking process, with its polished dies and multiple-impression technique, tends to make hub doubling stand out more distinctly against the mirror fields than it would on a business strike. WDDR-037 represents one of numerous doubled die varieties cataloged for the prolific 1956 proof Jefferson nickel, reflecting the multiple working dies needed to fill collector demand for that year's proof sets.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1956 WDDR-037 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References