1961 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-021

Description

Pairing a doubled die obverse with a doubled die reverse on Stage A specimens, this 1961 proof Jefferson Nickel WDDO-021 offers collectors a rare opportunity to find two attributable varieties on a single coin. Discovered by Brian A. Ribar, the obverse displays close Class II distorted hub doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST. Two die stages are documented: Stage A features a light die scratch on the rim above the G of GOD on the obverse, and the reverse of Stage A coins is separately listed as WDDR-051, meaning those specimens carry doubled dies on both sides. Stage B retains the obverse rim scratch but the reverse die was changed, eliminating the DDR pairing — so only Stage A coins exhibit the dual-variety combination. This die stage transition illustrates how Mint personnel routinely swapped individual dies within a working pair without regard to variety status. Cataloged under Wexler Variety ID 1961 WDDO-021 Proof, the variety was struck at Philadelphia on proof planchets with the characteristic mirror fields and frosted devices that define the format. The 1961 proof nickel belongs to the era before sealed proof sets were individually cellophane-wrapped within their packaging.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1961 WDDO-021 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References