1961 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cataloged under Wexler reference 1961 WDDO-002 Proof, this Jefferson Nickel proof variety displays Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling) on the obverse. The listing replaces the original WDDO-002 designation, which was delisted after being reclassified as a doubled working hub rather than a doubled working die — a critical distinction because a doubled working hub transfers its doubling to all working dies produced from it, while a doubled working die confines the variety to coins struck from that single die. The replacement WDDO-002 shows close Class II doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST, with slight doubling also appearing on the date and the star to the left of Jefferson's portrait. Reverse die markers provide the attribution fingerprint: die dots appear to the upper left of the small right window of Felix Schlag's Monticello design, and another die dot sits below the right side of the small right window. No significant obverse die markers have been noted beyond the doubling itself. The 1961 proof Jefferson Nickel was struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint in the standard copper-nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel), weighing 5.0 grams with a diameter of 21.2 mm. Philadelphia produced 3,028,244 proof sets in 1961, each containing five denominations including the nickel, and the proof striking process — using polished dies on prepared planchets with multiple impressions — creates mirror-like surfaces that make even close Class II doubling visible under moderate magnification. Attribution requires distinguishing the specific spread pattern on IN GOD WE TRUST from other 1961 proof DDO varieties.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1961 WDDO-002 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References