1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-038

Description

Attributed by John Conway and designated as Wexler WDDO-038, this proof 1962 Jefferson Nickel doubled die obverse exhibits Class II distorted hub doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST. Class II doubling, also known as distorted hub doubling, results from a working hub that has become slightly warped or distorted between successive impressions into the working die, producing doubling that appears as a stretched or distorted secondary image rather than a clean lateral or rotational shift. The doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST is the primary diagnostic feature, visible under moderate magnification as a secondary set of letter forms slightly displaced from the primary impression. Specific die markers include die dots to the upper right of the second T in TRUST on the obverse and a die gouge inside the lower portion of the E in STATES on the reverse — these imperfections are unique to this die pair and serve as definitive attribution tools when the primary doubling is ambiguous. As a proof issue, this 1962 Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint on specially prepared planchets using polished dies, creating mirror-like fields and frosted design elements that provide excellent contrast for viewing the doubled impression. The proof environment actually makes Class II distorted hub doubling more challenging to detect than on business strikes, because the distorted image can blend with the proof surface finish. Thirty-eight doubled die obverses documented for proof 1962 Jefferson Nickels demonstrates the depth of die variety research on this series, where the controlled striking conditions and collector preservation of proof coins enable detailed study of subtle hubbing anomalies.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Conway
• Wexler Variety ID: 1962 WDDO-038 Proof
• Expert attribution by John Conway

External References