1957 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-017

Description

One of two 1957 Proof Jefferson Nickel reverse doubled dies in this batch — compare with WDDR-018 below — the WDDR-017 exhibits a very close Class II distorted hub doubling concentrated on UNUM, the final word of E PLURIBUS UNUM. Class II doubling from a tilted hub produces displacement varying across the die surface, and on this variety the effects are most visible at UNUM while other areas show less pronounced or undetectable spread. The very close intensity requires high magnification to resolve. Two reverse die markers aid attribution: a die dot below NU of UNUM and a second die dot to the right of S of PLURIBUS. These die dots — small raised spots from pits in the die surface — distinguish WDDR-017 from its companion WDDR-018, which carries entirely different die markers. No obverse die markers have been noted. Felix Schlag's Thomas Jefferson portrait appears on this Philadelphia Mint proof, struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.0 grams. Examine UNUM under high magnification for the very close Class II spread, then locate both die dots — below NU and right of S — to confirm the WDDR-017 attribution and distinguish this variety from WDDR-018.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Die dot below NU of UNUM; die dot to right of S of PLURIBUS.

External References