1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-044

Description

Forty-fourth doubled die obverse documented for the 1962 Jefferson Nickel proof series, WDDO-044 displays Class II distorted hub doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST — an inscription zone where hub misalignment frequently manifests on this denomination. The variety carries stage-specific diagnostics: a die dot to the lower right of Jefferson's eye appears on both Stage A and Stage B specimens, providing a consistent obverse marker across multiple die states. The reverse die markers differ between stages — Stage A shows a die scratch to the upper right of the small right window on Monticello, while Stage B is listed as 1962 Pr 5c WDDR-034, indicating the reverse die was repolished or the obverse was paired with a different reverse in the later stage. The Stage B reverse listing as a doubled die reverse means specimens in this die state carry doubling on both sides — a DDO/DDR combination that adds significant collector interest. Class II distorted hub doubling on the 1962 proof nickel produces a non-uniform spread pattern across IN GOD WE TRUST, with the magnitude and direction varying letter by letter due to the tilting distortion between hub and die during impression. Forty-four doubled die obverses documented for a single proof date is an extraordinary count, reflecting the intensive examination that 1962 proof Jefferson Nickels have received from variety researchers over decades. The 1962 proof nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint during the pre-suspension era of proof production (proofs were suspended 1965-1967), and dies prepared for this controlled striking environment recorded hub misalignment events at rates comparable to business strike dies.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die dot to lower right of Jefferson's eye shows on Stage A and Stage B.
• Reverse: Stage A:  Die scratch to upper right of small right window; Stage B:  Listed as 1962 Pr 5c WDDR-034.

External References