1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-012

Description

Twelfth in the obverse doubled die census for the 1962 Jefferson nickel, WDDO-012 exhibits Class II Distorted Hub Doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST, with tripling visible on the G of GOD and the E of WE — a multi-impression diagnostic that elevates this variety above standard doubled dies by documenting at least three distinct hub impressions on the same die. Class II doubling results from a rotational pivot between hub impressions, and the tripling on specific letters indicates the die received three separate hubbing events with measurable rotational displacement between each, creating a layered diagnostic pattern on the G and E that shows primary, secondary, and tertiary letter images. The obverse die carries a small die gouge between the lower portions of the U and S of TRUST, providing a secondary confirmation marker. The reverse is documented as WWHR-002, a working hub reverse designation that indicates the reverse die itself carries a cataloged hub variety — making this a dual-attribution die marriage where both obverse and reverse dies bear independently attributable characteristics. Felix Schlag's Jefferson portrait provides the design context, with the IN GOD WE TRUST motto positioned along the left rim above the three-quarter portrait. Philadelphia struck the 1962 proof issue with a mintage of approximately 3.22 million proof sets, though business-strike production was also substantial. The tripling on G of GOD and E of WE provides the most compelling diagnostic features, as these specific letters received sufficient displacement across all three hubbing events to produce visibly separated triple images rather than the simple doubled appearance seen on the remaining motto letters. Collectors should first locate the die gouge between U and S of TRUST, then examine the G of GOD and E of WE under 15-20x magnification for the triple-impression effect, looking for three distinct letter edges at each position rather than the two edges characteristic of standard doubling.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Small die gouge between lower portions of U and S of TRUST.
• Reverse: Listed as WWHR-002.

External References