1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-024

Description

The 1962 Jefferson Nickel WDDO-024 from the Philadelphia Mint exhibits close Class II distorted hub doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST — a subtle variety where the hub distorted slightly during the die-making impression, producing tight doubling that requires careful examination to distinguish from strike doubling artifacts. Class II doubling results from the hub itself warping or flexing under the enormous pressure of the die-making process, creating a secondary impression that is close to but not perfectly aligned with the primary. Multiple die markers aid identification: the obverse carries a slanted die scratch between the lower portions of the 1 and 9 of the date, while the reverse displays die scratches below IVE of FIVE and a die gouge below the I of AMERICA. These paired obverse and reverse markers create a multi-point diagnostic system for reliable attribution. The high catalog number — twenty-fourth in the WDDO sequence for 1962 — reflects the extensive doubled die population documented for Jefferson Nickels of this era, when the Philadelphia Mint was producing business strike nickels in large quantities. Felix Schlag's design, with its detailed portrait and architectural Monticello reverse, provides ample fine detail where distorted hub effects can be detected by variety specialists.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Slanted die scratch between lower portions of 1 and 9 of date.
• Reverse: Die scratches below IVE of FIVE; die gouge below I of AMERICA.

External References