1963 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-022

Description

Formerly listed as WDDO-026, this variety was renumbered to replace the original WDDO-022 listing that was delisted for being too minor — a catalog revision reflecting the ongoing curation of the Wexler doubled die registry as attribution standards evolve. Class II distorted hub doubling on the 1963 Jefferson Nickel creates nice spread visible on IN GOD WE TRUST, the motto positioned above Jefferson's head on Felix Schlag's original design. Obverse die markers include die scratches to the lower right of Jefferson's ear lobe, while the reverse carries a die gouge to the lower right of the first O of MONTICELLO. Philadelphia produced 178,851,645 Jefferson Nickels in 1963, the final year before the Mint suspended proof production and navigated the coin shortage that led to the 1965-1967 date freeze. The renumbering from WDDO-026 to WDDO-022 preserved the lower catalog number for a variety deemed more significant than the original occupant of that position, maintaining sequential coherence within the Wexler system. Class II distorted hub doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST places the primary diagnostic in the obverse legend area above Jefferson's portrait, where the motto's serif lettering provides clear reference edges for identifying secondary impressions. Die scratches near the ear lobe on the obverse and the gouge near the first O of MONTICELLO on the reverse establish secondary attribution markers that confirm die identity independent of the primary doubled die characteristic. Collectors examining 1963 Jefferson Nickels should prioritize the motto lettering under magnification as the first-line diagnostic for this variety.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die scratches to lower right of Jefferson's ear lobe.
• Reverse: Die gouge to lower right of first O of MONTICELLO.

External References