1963 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-019

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler himself and cataloged as Wexler Variety ID 1963 WDDR-019 Proof, this proof Jefferson Nickel doubled die reverse displays Class II distorted hub doubling with a nice tripled spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM — an unusual designation indicating three discernible hub impressions rather than the standard two, creating a layered cascade of secondary and tertiary images on each letter of the motto. The tripling on E PLURIBUS UNUM represents a relatively uncommon phenomenon where the hubbing process produced three offset impressions, with each successive image slightly displaced from the previous one. Beyond the tripled motto, nice doubling also shows on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the right side of Felix Schlag's Monticello building — the architectural detail doubling providing an additional large-area diagnostic beyond the inscription-based effects. Obverse die markers include two die dots in Jefferson's hair to the right of his temple, while the reverse carries a small die dot between the upper portions of the second and third columns of Monticello's facade. The Proof designation means this variety occurs on coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint on polished planchets with mirror-finish dies as part of the 1963 annual proof set, produced in standard 75% copper and 25% nickel composition, weighing 5.0 grams at 21.2 mm diameter. The proof surfaces create excellent contrast for observing the tripled E PLURIBUS UNUM, as the mirrored fields make even subtle secondary and tertiary impressions visible against the reflective background. The two die dots in Jefferson's hair near the temple serve as the fastest obverse pick-up point for confirming this specific die before examining the tripled motto on the reverse. As WDDR-019, the high catalog number indicates extensive documentation of proof Jefferson Nickel reverse varieties for this date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1963 WDDR-019 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References