1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-013

Description

Thirteenth in the Wexler-documented obverse doubled die census for the 1962 Jefferson nickel, WDDO-013 is classified as Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling), exhibiting particularly well-defined doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST. The Class II mechanism involves distortion of the hub itself between impressions — rather than the hub shifting position or rotating, the hub's shape subtly changes due to stress or temperature effects, producing a doubling pattern where design elements appear spread or shifted in directions that cannot be explained by simple translation or rotation. Die markers include a series of slanted die scratches to the right of Jefferson's ribbon on the obverse, and die scratches above the AM of AMERICA on the reverse — both providing secondary identification points for confirming this specific working die. Felix Schlag's Jefferson nickel design, continuously produced since 1938, places the IN GOD WE TRUST motto along the left obverse periphery, where Class II distortion creates the "very nice" doubling noted by the attributor. Philadelphia struck approximately 97.38 million nickels in 1962, a production run that required numerous working dies. The distinction between Class II distorted hub doubling and Class I pivoted hub doubling is diagnostically important: Class II doubling typically produces shelf-like or notched effects on letter edges that vary in direction and magnitude across the design, while Class I produces consistent directional spread. The series of slanted die scratches to the right of Jefferson's ribbon provides a visually accessible first screening point before proceeding to examine the more subtle doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST under 15-20x magnification. Collectors should note the die scratches above AM of AMERICA on the reverse as confirmatory evidence.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Series of slanted die scratches to right of Jefferson's ribbon.
• Reverse: Die scratches above AM of AMERICA.

External References