1960 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-010

Description

Classified as Class II Distorted Hub Doubling in the VarietyVista attribution system, WDDO-010 on the 1960 Jefferson Nickel displays a very close spread on the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Class II doubling results from a distortion or tilt of the working hub during the die-making process — rather than a misalignment between hub and die as in Class I (rotated hub doubling), the hub itself has a subtle deformation that transfers a slightly warped secondary impression. This produces doubling that characteristically strengthens near the periphery and diminishes toward the center, though the "very close" designation indicates the spread is subtle even where strongest. Felix Schlag's original Jefferson portrait serves as the obverse design, and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST arcs above the portrait where rim-area doubling is most pronounced. Die markers provide critical attribution evidence: the obverse shows a die scratch and die gouge on Jefferson's temple along with a die gouge on the center portion of his collar, while the reverse displays a series of die dots to the upper left of the long right window of Monticello. These specific die imperfections distinguish WDDO-010 from other doubled die varieties on the 1960 date. The 1960 Philadelphia Nickel was produced in quantities that supported daily commerce throughout the nation, and the tenth cataloged doubled die obverse for the date illustrates the prolific variety research conducted on this series. Jefferson Nickel specialists actively seek Class II varieties as examples of the distorted hub phenomenon that characterized mid-century die production.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die scratch and die gouge on Jefferson's temple; die gouge on center portion of his collar.
• Reverse: Series of die dots to upper left of long right window.

External References