1961 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-032

Description

Attributed by Frank Baumann and cataloged as 1961 WDDR-032 under the Wexler system, this Jefferson Nickel doubled die reverse is classified as Class II, Distorted Hub Doubling, showing a nice spread toward the center on E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and FIVE CENTS, with all spreads increasing from left to right. The Jefferson Nickel, designed by Felix Schlag with his Monticello reverse, was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in cupronickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) at 5.00 grams and 21.2 mm diameter. Obverse die markers include an almost vertical die gouge near the rim extending down to near the top of Jefferson's head at the 12 o'clock position, plus a short diagonal die gouge to the left of the upper portion of the L in LIBERTY. On the reverse, a short almost horizontal die gouge extends east from the right corner of the second roof line of Monticello into the field. The centerward spread pattern increasing from left to right across all three major reverse inscriptions is characteristic of Class II distorted hub doubling, where non-uniform hub deformation produces progressively greater displacement across the die face. Frank Baumann's attribution work on proof Jefferson Nickel doubled dies contributed significantly to the comprehensive documentation of this prolific variety series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Frank Baumann
• Wexler Variety ID: 1961 WDDR-032
• Expert attribution by Frank Baumann

External References