1961 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-008

Description

Classified as Class VI distended hub doubling, this 1961 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel doubled die reverse displays extra thickness on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA that increases in intensity from left to right, accompanied by a closer spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM that also increases slightly from left to right. Class VI doubling is among the rarer hubbing error classes, occurring when the hub or die distends (expands) slightly during the hubbing process, causing design elements to appear thicker or slightly spread in a pattern that varies across the die face. The progressive increase from left to right across both legends indicates the distension was directional rather than uniform, affecting one side of the die more than the other. A light die scratch on the rim below the M of AMERICA serves as the sole noted reverse die marker, with no significant obverse markers documented. Eight documented doubled die reverses for the 1961 Jefferson Nickel reflects steady variety research on early 1960s nickel production. The 1961 Philadelphia Mint struck 73,640,100 Jefferson Nickels, and the Schlag Monticello reverse — with its detailed architectural design and multiple inscription bands — provides numerous reference points for detecting the progressively thickened elements characteristic of Class VI distended hub doubling. The directional nature of the spread makes this variety particularly instructive for students of hubbing mechanics.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Light die scratch on rim below M of AMERICA.

External References