1963 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005

Description

Spreading progressively from left to right across the obverse, this 1963 proof Jefferson Nickel WDDO-005 displays Class II distorted hub doubling affecting LIBERTY, the star, the date, and the ribbon on Jefferson's queue. The increasing spread is a hallmark of Class II distortion, where the hub deformation compounds with distance from the neutral axis. The queue ribbon — the tied portion of Jefferson's hair — sits at the right edge of the obverse where the spread reaches its maximum, making it one of the strongest attribution points. Die markers appear on both sides: the obverse carries a die gouge shaped like a dot between S and T of TRUST, while the reverse shows a die gouge dot above the small right window near the roof line and another die gouge dot just below the L of PLURIBUS. These dot-shaped gouges create a distinctive three-point marker constellation. The 1963 proof nickel was struck at Philadelphia during the final year before the Mint transitioned proof production to the new Philadelphia Mint building, making varieties from this date among the last products of the original proof coining operation.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die gouge (dot) between S and T of TRUST.
• Reverse: Die gouge (dot) above small right window near roof line; die gouge (dot) just below L of PLURIBUS.

External References