1960 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-011

Description

Eleventh cataloged doubled die reverse for the 1960 proof Jefferson Nickel, this variety is notably a Class II tripled die — the hub impressed the die three times with slight shifts between impressions, creating triple images on affected design elements rather than the standard double impression. Class II tripling shows prominently on UNUM, with close doubling also visible on E PLURIBUS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Tripled dies are substantially rarer than doubled dies in any series, as they require three distinct hub contacts with measurable displacement. Die markers on the reverse include a die scratch above the small right window and a slanted die scratch to the lower left of the small left window — no significant obverse markers noted. Philadelphia Mint proof production, 75% copper and 25% nickel composition. The presence of tripling on UNUM while other elements show only close doubling suggests the distortion varied in intensity across the die face, with UNUM positioned where all three impressions created measurable separation. Proof dies received limited service compared to business-strike dies, constraining the population of any individual proof variety. The tripled-die classification elevates this variety above typical doubled die entries in collector significance.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Die scratch above small right window; slanted die scratch to lower left of small left window.

External References