1961 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-010

Description

Tenth in the Wexler-documented obverse doubled die census for the 1961 Jefferson nickel proof, WDDO-010 presents Class V (Pivoted Hub) doubling with a close spread visible on IN GOD WE TRUST. Class V doubling in the Wexler system results from the working hub pivoting around a point during the secondary impression, producing angular displacement that increases with distance from the pivot axis — letters closer to the pivot show minimal movement while those farther away exhibit progressively greater separation. Attributed by John A. Wexler himself and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID: 1961 WDDO-010 Proof, this variety was struck at Philadelphia as part of the 1961 proof set. The obverse die carries a distinctive marker: a short slanted die scratch in Jefferson's hair, providing a secondary diagnostic independent of the hub doubling. The reverse is cross-listed as 1961 Pr 5c WDDR-038, indicating the reverse die in this marriage carries its own documented doubled die attribution — making this a dual-attribution die pair where both obverse and reverse dies exhibit independent hub doubling events. Philadelphia produced proof sets in substantial quantities during 1961, with approximately 3.03 million proof sets manufactured. Felix Schlag's Jefferson portrait provides the canvas for the pivoted hub doubling on the IN GOD WE TRUST motto, where the close spread means the primary and secondary impressions nearly overlap, producing thickened letter strokes rather than dramatically separated images. The dual-attribution status (WDDO-010 obverse paired with WDDR-038 reverse) significantly enhances this variety's appeal, as collectors can document two independent doubled die events on a single coin. The slanted die scratch in Jefferson's hair should be located first to confirm the correct die before evaluating the subtle motto doubling.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1961 WDDO-010 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References