1963 Proof Jefferson Nickel - Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002

Description

Exhibiting Class II (Distorted Hub) doubling that increases in magnitude from left to right across E PLURIBUS UNUM, the 1963 Jefferson nickel WDDR-002 presents a textbook example of rotational hub displacement where the degree of doubling varies with distance from the pivot axis. Class II doubling in the Wexler system results from a rotational movement of the working hub between impressions, causing elements closer to the axis of rotation to show minimal displacement while elements farther away exhibit progressively greater doubling — the "increasing from left to right" progression on E PLURIBUS UNUM perfectly illustrates this graduated effect, with the E showing the least doubling and the M of UNUM showing the most (or vice versa, depending on the pivot location). Reverse die markers provide essential secondary diagnostics: a curvy die gouge positioned above the right arch of Monticello's portico, plus die gouges on both sides of the O in OF. These three distinct die marks — the curvy gouge and the paired O gouges — create a reliable identification constellation unique to this working die. No significant obverse die markers were noted. Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse positions E PLURIBUS UNUM in a curved arc above the building, and the graduated doubling effect across these twelve letters provides a diagnostic that is both scientifically informative and visually educational, demonstrating the rotational mechanism in a way that a uniform-spread variety cannot. Collectors should examine the motto under 15-20x magnification, comparing the relative doubling magnitude at each end to confirm the graduated pattern, then verify the curvy gouge above the right arch and the paired O gouges for die confirmation.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Curvy die gouge above right arch; die gouges on both sides of O of OF.

External References