1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-040

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar as a proof issue and cataloged under Wexler Variety ID 1956 WDDR-040 Proof, this Jefferson Nickel presents Class II distorted hub doubling with a close spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and an even closer spread on STATES OF AMERICA. The distinction between "close" and "closer" spread within a single Class II variety provides a map of the die's tilt geometry during the distorted hubbing event: the tilt axis positioned itself such that E PLURIBUS UNUM, likely further from the axis, received slightly more distortion offset than STATES OF AMERICA, which sat nearer to the axis where the angular displacement translated to less linear spread. No obverse die markers have been reported. Three reverse die markers provide the attribution fingerprint: a die gouge in the field to the upper left of the dome of Monticello — positioned in the open field area above the architectural rendering — along with slanted die scratches to the left of the small right semicircular window and die scratches above the right arch. These architectural-area die markers, concentrated around Monticello's dome and window details, occupy a region of the reverse die that is particularly useful for attribution because the building's fine structural details create a visually complex backdrop against which die scratches and gouges are readily identifiable. As a proof issue, this coin was struck on polished planchets at the Philadelphia Mint in 75% copper / 25% nickel at 5 grams, with the mirrored proof fields enhancing contrast between the design relief and the flat field areas where die gouges and scratches reside. The WDDR-040 designation places this variety deep in the doubled die reverse census for the 1956 proof Jefferson Nickel, reflecting the extensive variety research conducted on this date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1956 WDDR-040 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References