1960 Proof Jefferson Nickel - Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-039

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cross-referenced as CONECA 18-R-II-C and Wexler 1960 WDDR-039 Proof, this proof Jefferson Nickel reverse exhibits strong Class II Distorted Hub Doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the doubling decreasing from left to right across both inscriptions. Closer doubling shows on FIVE CENTS and the left side of the Monticello building. The decreasing left-to-right gradient across the primary inscriptions provides a directional signature characteristic of the Class II distortion geometry, where the hub warping concentrated its maximum displacement on the left side of the die face. Die markers on the reverse include a slanted die scratch from the lower left side of the large center semicircular window, a slanted die scratch inside the lower portion of the right arch, and a die scratch above the left arch of Monticello — three architectural-position markers that leverage Schlag's building design as a natural coordinate system. No obverse die markers were noted. The 1960 proof Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a diameter of 21.21 mm. The CONECA 18-R-II-C designation provides independent confirmation of both the Class II doubling mechanism and its significance within the 1960 proof die population. Philadelphia produced approximately 1.69 million proof sets in 1960, and the strong Class II doubling on this variety makes it one of the more visually prominent doubled die reverses from the pre-1965 proof era. The description of "strong" doubling on the primary inscriptions with "closer" doubling on secondary elements confirms a graduated displacement pattern consistent with localized hub deformation.

Cross References

• CONECA 18-R-II-C; Wexler Variety ID: 1960 WDDR-039 Proof

External References