1963 (D) Jefferson Nickel - Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

John A. Wexler himself attributed this 1963 Denver Mint Jefferson Nickel doubled die reverse, cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1963-D WDDR-003. The variety exhibits Class II distorted hub doubling showing on STATES OF AMERICA with the doubling increasing in intensity from left to right across the inscription — a characteristic pattern of Class II doubling where hub distortion creates spread that varies in magnitude across the die face rather than maintaining the uniform offset seen in Class I varieties. Reverse die markers include a die gouge through UN of UNUM, a die scratch above PL of PLURIBUS, and a die gouge between I and C of AMERICA, while no obverse markers were noted. The 1963-D Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Denver Mint in the final full year before the great coin shortage of 1964-65, which would lead to the removal of mintmarks from all coins in 1965-67 and the elimination of silver from dimes and quarters. The progressive left-to-right increase in doubling on STATES OF AMERICA provides a particularly instructive example of Class II hub distortion mechanics, where the effect radiates outward from the distortion point.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1963-D WDDR-003

External References