1959-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cross-referenced under the Wexler designation 1959-D WDDR-006, this sixth doubled die reverse for the 1959-D Jefferson Nickel displays a very close Class II distorted hub doubling spread visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM — the motto inscribed above Monticello on Felix Schlag's reverse design. Class II doubling results from the hub being tilted or distorted during one of the successive impressions used to sink the working die, producing a spread that varies in direction and magnitude across different areas of the design depending on their position relative to the tilt axis. The "very close" characterization indicates the spread is narrow, requiring magnification to resolve the doubled image from the primary impression. Die markers facilitate attribution: a die gouge above the 9 of the date appears on the obverse, while the reverse shows a die scratch above the left arch and a die gouge to the lower left of the N in UNITED. The 1959-D Jefferson Nickel was produced at the Denver Mint during a year that also saw the introduction of the Lincoln Memorial Cent reverse — a broader design transition period at the Mint. Denver's nickel production in 1959 generated substantial quantities that circulated widely, and the Class II doubling on this variety documents a hubbing anomaly during die preparation at a time when multiple denomination redesigns were consuming Mint engraving resources. Brian A. Ribar's attribution work on Jefferson Nickel varieties has contributed significantly to the documentation of this series' die variety population.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1959-D WDDR-006
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References