1962 Proof Jefferson Nickel - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Like its companion WDDO-034, this 1962 Jefferson nickel doubled die obverse carries a reassignment history: it was formerly listed as WDDO-078 before being promoted to replace the original WDDO-003, which had been delisted for insufficient significance. Now bearing the WDDO-003 designation, this Class II, Distorted Hub Doubling variety shows a strong spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, described as "nice" in the attribution notes, indicating the doubling is visually satisfying and readily apparent at moderate magnification. The obverse carries no noted die markers, placing full authentication weight on the doubling characteristics themselves. The reverse provides two die markers: a slanted die scratch below the upper crossbar of the F in OF, and another slanted die scratch below the crossbar of the first A of AMERICA. These parallel slanted scratches on the reverse serve as the primary confirmation features once the obverse doubling has been tentatively identified. The catalog reassignment from WDDO-078 to WDDO-003 reflects a significant upgrade in cataloging priority, placing this variety among the top three doubled die obverses for the date. The Class II mechanism creates the characteristic hub distortion spread that differentiates this variety from the rotational or pivoted patterns found in other doubled die classes.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Slanted die scratch below upper crossbar of F of OF; slanted die scratch below crossbar of first A of AMERICA.

External References