1957 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-016

Description

Proof-only die varieties from the late 1950s occupy a narrow window in Jefferson Nickel collecting, and this Class II Distorted Hub Doubling on the 1957 Proof issue is a strong example. Doubling is visible on LIBERTY, the star, and the date, where the distorted hub imparted a secondary impression that shifted design elements relative to the primary strike. The variety was attributed by Brian A. Ribar and is cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID: 1957 WDDO-016 Proof. Close examination reveals diagnostic die markers: the obverse carries a short die gouge in Jefferson's hair to the right of his temple, while the reverse shows a die dot below the US of PLURIBUS. The 1957 date marks the final year of large-mintage proof sets before the Treasury suspended proof production after 1964, creating a gap that lasted until 1968. Proof doubled dies from this era are scarce because the controlled striking environment at Philadelphia produced fewer die anomalies than business-strike production, making each confirmed variety a notable find for specialists.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1957 WDDO-016 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References