1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-057

Description

Fifty-seventh Wexler-cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1962 Proof Jefferson Nickel, WDDO-057 displays Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling) on IN GOD WE TRUST, with the doubling intensity decreasing from left to right across the motto. This graduated spread pattern is characteristic of Class II doubling, where hub distortion produces non-uniform displacement that varies across the design rather than the consistent shift seen in Class I rotational doubling. Die markers include a long die scratch on the back of Jefferson's shoulder on the obverse, while the reverse shows a die dot between the second and third columns of Monticello — details that help distinguish this from the other fifty-six cataloged WDDO varieties for the 1962 Proof nickel. Submitted by variety researcher Brian A. Ribar and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1962 WDDO-057 Proof, this variety was struck from proof dies at the Philadelphia Mint, which produced 3,218,019 proof sets in 1962. Reaching fifty-seven cataloged doubled die obverses for a single date and denomination is remarkable, reflecting the intensive research that proof Jefferson Nickels have received from specialized collectors. The decreasing left-to-right doubling pattern on IN GOD WE TRUST provides a distinctive diagnostic signature: the IN shows the strongest separation, GOD shows moderate spread, WE shows less, and TRUST shows the least — creating a gradient effect that can be traced across the motto with magnification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1962 WDDO-057 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References