1957 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008

Description

Attributed by Gary G. Wagnon and carrying the Wexler Variety ID 1957 WDDO-008 Proof, this Class II doubled die obverse was struck on a 1957 proof Jefferson nickel at the Philadelphia Mint. The Jefferson nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a diameter of 21.2 mm, and Philadelphia produced 1,247,952 proof sets in 1957. The Class II (distorted hub) doubling on WDDO-008 produces a nice spread toward the center on LIBERTY, the five-pointed star, and the date, with a closer spread visible on IN GOD WE TRUST. The distinction between the wider spread on LIBERTY and the tighter spread on the motto reflects the geometry of distorted hub doubling, where the degree of displacement varies across the die face depending on each element's distance and orientation relative to the hub distortion axis. Obverse die markers include a diagonal die gouge on the Y of LIBERTY and a short horizontal die scratch extending from the inner right side of the U in TRUST. On the reverse, a die gouge appearing as a dot sits in the field just above the left side of the Monticello dome, and a small diagonal die gouge is positioned between the lower portions of the N and second U of UNUM. Cross-referenced as CONECA 5-O-II-C(3), this variety is well-documented in the proof Jefferson nickel doubled die census. The 1957 proof nickel is part of the classic 1950s proof set era, when proof coins were struck exclusively at Philadelphia and packaged in flat cellophane packs before the transition to the familiar hard plastic cases. Gary Wagnon's attribution work on this variety contributes to the substantial body of proof Jefferson nickel doubled die research that has revealed an unexpectedly rich variety landscape within what many collectors initially considered a commonplace modern series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Gary G. Wagnon
• CONECA 5-O-II-C(3); Wexler Variety ID: 1957 WDDO-008 Proof
• Expert attribution by Gary G. Wagnon

External References