1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008

Description

Brian A. Ribar's documentation of this 1962 Jefferson Nickel proof variety reveals an interesting catalog history: the current WDDO-008 was formerly listed as WDDO-074, and it replaces the original WDDO-008 which was delisted for being too minor to warrant continued inclusion. This reshuffling of catalog positions is a normal part of variety attribution maintenance — as the community's standards for minimum doubling visibility evolve, marginal entries are periodically culled, and stronger varieties from higher catalog numbers are promoted into the vacated slots. The replacement WDDO-008 carries a Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling) classification with strong doubling visible on IN GOD WE TRUST, making it a substantial upgrade over the delisted original. Obverse die markers include a die scratch near the rim to the upper left of the I of IN, a die scratch between the W and E of WE, and die gouges on Jefferson's queue (the tied ponytail at the back of his head). No significant reverse die markers have been noted. The cross-reference designation is Wexler Variety ID 1962 WDDO-008. Proof Jefferson Nickels from 1962 were struck at the Philadelphia Mint in copper-nickel composition on specially prepared planchets, and the proof format provides the ideal surface for observing Class II spread on the motto inscription, where the distorted hub displacement creates visually separated secondary letter images against the mirrored field.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1962 WDDO-008
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References