1957 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-009

Description

Ninth Wexler-cataloged doubled die reverse for the 1957 Jefferson Nickel, WDDR-009 is classified as Class II, Distorted Hub Doubling — a category where the doubling results from distortion of the hub itself during the die production process rather than from hub rotation or pivot. The diagnostic shows a very close Class II spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the two major inscriptions on the Monticello reverse of Felix Schlag's original Jefferson Nickel design. Die markers provide essential attribution data: on the obverse, a long, almost vertical die scratch appears on Jefferson's collar, while on the reverse, a slanted die scratch is found inside the left arch and another slanted die scratch sits above the right arch of the Monticello facade. These three die markers — the collar scratch on the obverse and the two arch-area scratches on the reverse — create a reliable fingerprint for identifying this specific die pair. Class II Distorted Hub Doubling produces a characteristically uniform spread across a wide area of the design, distinguishing it from the rotational or pivot-point doubling patterns seen in other classes. The 1957 Jefferson Nickel was produced during the late Eisenhower era when the denomination circulated heavily in daily commerce, and the Philadelphia Mint consumed numerous die pairs throughout the production year. Nine doubled die reverses for 1957 reflects thorough examination of this date by variety researchers. The very close spread described for this variety requires careful magnification to observe, making it a variety that rewards patient, systematic examination.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Long, almost vertical die scratch on Jefferson's collar.
• Reverse: Slanted die scratch inside left arch; slanted die scratch above right arch.

External References