1957 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-022

Description

Brian A. Ribar's attribution of WDDR-022 for the 1957 proof Jefferson Nickel documents a close Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling) spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM that increases from left to right — a progressive spread pattern suggesting the hub distortion was rotational, with the doubling amplifying at greater distances from the pivot point. Die markers include a die gouge appearing as a dot above the E of LIBERTY on the obverse, and on the reverse a die gouge to the right of the first column and a wavy die gouge inside the large center semicircular window of Monticello's facade. Cross-referenced under Wexler Variety ID: 1957 WDDR-022 Proof, this variety exists on proof coinage from the final year before proof set production was suspended in 1965, not to resume until 1968 at San Francisco. The 1957 proof set mintage of approximately 1.25 million pieces makes these coins more available than later proof issues but still far scarcer than business strikes. Twenty-two DDRs documented for the 1957 proof nickel demonstrates concentrated variety research on a vintage that collectors regard as part of the classic era of Philadelphia Mint proof production. The Monticello reverse's architectural details — columns, windows, pediments — serve as exceptionally precise reference geometry for detecting Class II distortion, where design elements appear warped rather than offset.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1957 WDDR-022 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References