1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-037

Description

Carrying the VarietyVista designation WDDO-037, this 1962 Jefferson Nickel exhibits Class II hub doubling — specifically, Distorted Hub Doubling — visible on the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Class II doubling occurs when the working hub used to create the die is itself slightly distorted or tilted during the hubbing process, producing a spread that is characteristically strongest near the rim and diminishes toward the center of the design. On this variety, the doubling manifests as a clear secondary image on the letters of IN GOD WE TRUST, giving each letter a noticeably thickened or shadowed appearance. Felix Schlag's original Jefferson portrait, which had been in continuous use since the design's 1938 introduction, provides the obverse canvas on which this doubling appears. Die markers confirm attribution: the obverse displays three short slanted die scratches below the 2 of the date and a die scratch to the lower right of the Y of LIBERTY. On the reverse, two slanted die scratches can be found to the lower left of the P of PLURIBUS. These die-specific scratches function as fingerprints that uniquely identify the working die pair, allowing collectors to confirm they hold a genuine WDDO-037 specimen rather than a similar but distinct variety. The 1962 Philadelphia Mint nickel was produced in substantial quantities for general circulation, and Class II doubled dies from this era represent the mechanical realities of mid-century hubbing technology. Thirty-seven cataloged doubled die obverses for a single date illustrates the remarkable depth of variety research on Jefferson Nickels.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Three short slanted die scratches below 2 of date; die scratch to lower right of Y of LIBERTY.
• Reverse: Two slanted die scratches to lower left of P of PLURIBUS.

External References