1961 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-045

Description

Cataloged by Brian A. Ribar and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1961 WDDR-045, this Jefferson Nickel displays Class II Distorted Hub Doubling with a nice spread on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA that decreases slightly from left to right, and a closer spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM. This listing was formerly designated WDDR-071 and replaces the original WDDR-045, which was delisted after being reclassified as a doubled working hub — the same type of cataloging revision that affected several other Jefferson Nickel WDDR listings from the early 1960s as the variety community refined its understanding of the distinction between doubled dies (unique to a single working die) and doubled working hubs (affecting all dies made from that hub). The left-to-right decrease in doubling intensity on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA indicates the hub tilted during the impression process with the pivot point toward the right, generating greater displacement on the left side. Reverse die markers include slanted die scratches above the right arch of Monticello, a slanted die scratch to the lower right of the E in FIVE, and two die scratches below the B in PLURIBUS. No obverse markers are noted. Unlike the companion 1961 WDDR-052 listing (a proof issue), this WDDR-045 does not carry a proof designation, indicating it was found on business-strike coins. The 1961 Jefferson Nickel was struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.00 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter. Felix Schlag’s design was in its twenty-fourth year. Brian A. Ribar’s systematic re-examination and reclassification of Jefferson Nickel doubled die listings has significantly refined the catalog’s accuracy by correctly separating true doubled dies from doubled working hub effects.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1961 WDDR-045
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References