1958 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

Attributed by Whaden Curtis and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1958 WDDR-003 Proof, this proof Jefferson Nickel displays Class II distorted hub doubling with very close doubling on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The "very close" characterization indicates that the hub displacement was minimal, producing secondary impressions tightly adjacent to the primary design elements rather than widely separated — a subtle variety requiring magnification and experienced eyes to detect. Die markers aid attribution: on the reverse, a die dot appears inside the long right window of Monticello, with three slanted die gouges visible on the second column of the building facade. No significant obverse markers are noted. The 1958 proof nickel was produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of annual proof sets during the pre-1965 era when proof production was handled exclusively at Philadelphia. Proof dies received special preparation — polishing and chromium plating — to produce the characteristic mirror fields and frosted devices, and any hub doubling present on a proof die would be rendered with exceptional clarity against these highly reflective surfaces. Whaden Curtis's attribution of this variety reflects the specialized expertise applied to proof Jefferson Nickel research. Three DDRs for the 1958 proof date indicates that hub doubling events affected multiple dies prepared for that year's proof production. The die dot inside the long right window serves as a particularly useful diagnostic marker, as its location within the Monticello architecture provides a precise, easily located reference point for attributors comparing candidate coins against the variety description.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Whaden Curtis
• Wexler Variety ID: 1958 WDDR-003 Proof
• Expert attribution by Whaden Curtis

External References