1963 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-087

Description

Eighty-seventh documented doubled die reverse for the 1963 Jefferson Nickel, WDDR-087 was cataloged by John A. Wexler as a Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling) variety showing a close spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM that increases in magnitude from left to right. This graduated doubling pattern is characteristic of Class II varieties, where the hub tilts or warps during impression rather than shifting uniformly, causing the doubling effect to vary across the die face. The obverse die markers show no significant features, while the reverse exhibits die scratches below LO of MONTICELLO and a die gouge between the F of OF and A of AMERICA — attribution points that help collectors confirm identification of this specific die pair. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1963 WDDR-087, this variety comes from the penultimate year before the Mint's 1964 reorganization. Eighty-seven doubled die reverses documented for a single date represents an extraordinary catalog depth, reflecting both the large number of reverse dies consumed during 1963 nickel production and the systematic examination these dies have received from researchers. The increasing spread from left to right across E PLURIBUS UNUM provides a diagnostic pattern that distinguishes this from other DDR varieties where the doubling distribution differs. Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse, with its precisely rendered architectural elements and surrounding text, offers numerous reference points where even slight Class II distortion can be measured and documented for attribution purposes.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1963 WDDR-087
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References