1963 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Holding the WDDR-001 catalog position for the 1963 Jefferson Nickel, this variety displays Class II + V (Distorted and Pivoted Hub Doubling) — a combination of two distinct hubbing mechanisms that together produce a complex, multi-directional doubling pattern. A nice tripled spread toward the center shows on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FIVE CENTS, and MO...LLO of MONTICELLO, with the spread increasing from left to right. The tripling — three distinct impressions rather than the standard two — indicates this die received at least three hub impressions with progressive misalignment, creating a more layered effect than typical doubled dies. Additionally, a close counterclockwise spread shows on E PLURIBUS UNUM, documenting a separate rotational component that affects the motto differently from the center-directed spread on the other inscriptions. Obverse die markers include a light north-south die scratch in the head extending to the rim at approximately the 12 o'clock position. Reverse markers include a short horizontal die gouge between the tops of the two left windows of Monticello and a die gouge dot above the N of CENTS. The 1963 Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) weighing 5.00 grams with a 21.21 mm diameter. Felix Schlag designed the Jefferson portrait and Monticello reverse, in use since 1938. As the WDDR-001 for the date — the first and primary doubled die reverse — this variety holds the premier catalog position among all 1963 Jefferson Nickel reverse doubled dies, a status typically assigned to the most significant or earliest-documented variety. The dual-mechanism doubling combining center-directed tripling with counterclockwise rotational spread creates one of the more complex and collectible doubled die patterns in the early 1960s Jefferson Nickel production at the Philadelphia Mint.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Light north-south die scratch in head to rim at approximately 12 o’clock.
• Reverse: Short, horizontal die gouge between tops of two left windows; die gouge (dot) above N of CENTS.

External References