1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-048

Description

Originally cataloged as WDDO-060 before reassignment, the 1962 WDDO-048 Proof is a Class II (Distorted Hub) doubled die obverse attributed by Brian A. Ribar on a 1962 proof Jefferson nickel from the Original Design 1938-2003 series. Like several other varieties in the Wexler catalog, this one has been renumbered: it was formerly listed as WDDO-060 and was reassigned to replace the original WDDO-048 listing, which was delisted for being too minor. The primary diagnostic shows close Class II tripling on IN GOD WE TRUST, with the spread decreasing from left to right, meaning the letters at the left end of the motto show the most pronounced displacement. Obverse die markers include a die dot on Jefferson's collar, while the reverse shows a die dot below the TI of MONTICELLO. The 1962 proof Jefferson nickel was struck at Philadelphia in the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel composition at 5.0 grams and 21.2 mm diameter. Philadelphia produced 3,218,019 proof sets in 1962, each containing a nickel. The tripling effect — three overlapping impressions rather than two — occurs when the distorted hub produces displacement during hubbing that results in three detectable positions of the design elements. Tripling can be more visually dramatic than simple doubling but also more difficult to detect at lower magnifications because the three overlapping images may appear as thickened or blurred lettering rather than distinctly separated doubles. The extensive catalog of proof Jefferson nickel varieties from the early 1960s reflects the intense collector interest in this popular denomination during the classic proof era.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1962 WDDO-048 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References