1957 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-015

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1957 5-cent Proof WDDR-015, this Jefferson Nickel variety exhibits Class II distorted hub doubling at extremely close separation on UNUM — the final word of E PLURIBUS UNUM on Felix Schlag's reverse. Class II doubling results from lateral displacement between hub impressions without rotation, and the extremely close qualifier indicates primary and secondary impressions nearly overlap, producing only the subtlest broadening of letter strokes that demands high magnification and comparison against an undoubled specimen. The selective involvement of only UNUM defines the narrow zone where displacement crossed the detection threshold, leaving E PLURIBUS unaffected. A distinctive reverse die marker aids attribution: a die gouge below the M of AMERICA, an incuse mark in the die steel that transfers as a small raised feature on struck coins. As a proof struck at the Philadelphia Mint on polished planchets in copper-nickel composition, mirror-like fields aid detection. Examine UNUM under 10x or higher magnification for subtle letter broadening, and confirm the die gouge below M of AMERICA as an independent die marker.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Die gouge below M of AMERICA.

External References