1960 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Attributed by Gary G. Wagnon and cataloged as 1960 WDDO-002 Proof, this Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling) doubled die obverse variety appears on a 1960 proof Jefferson nickel struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The Jefferson nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter. Philadelphia produced 1,691,602 proof Jefferson nickels in 1960 as part of the annual proof sets. The Class II distorted hub doubling on WDDO-002 produces a very nice spread toward the center, visible on LIBERTY, the star, the date, and IN GOD WE TRUST. This center-directed spread indicates the hub was slightly compressed or distorted inward during one of the hubbing impressions, pushing design elements subtly toward the die's center relative to the primary impression. The spread affects virtually the entire obverse legend and design periphery, providing multiple locations for collectors to detect the doubled elements. Obverse die markers include two parallel broken die scratches at the base of the back of the coat and a short curving die scratch near the rim under the collar at approximately the 6:30 position. The reverse displays a die scratch running east-northeast from the bottom of the small right window of Monticello. Gary G. Wagnon's attribution of this variety contributes to the documentation of proof Jefferson nickel doubled dies from the early 1960s. As a proof issue, the coin was struck on specially prepared planchets producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements. The 1960 date falls within the final years of pre-hiatus proof production at Philadelphia, as proof sets would be temporarily discontinued from 1965 through 1967 during the transition to clad coinage, making 1960 proof varieties part of a collecting niche that spans the classic proof era.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Gary G. Wagnon
• Wexler Variety ID: 1960 WDDO-002 Proof
• Expert attribution by Gary G. Wagnon

External References