1963 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

Counterclockwise rotational doubling defines WDDR-003 on the 1963 proof Roosevelt silver dime, with the spread pivoting from approximately the 3:00 position on the die face. This pivot placement means design elements on the opposite side — near the 9:00 position — experience the greatest angular displacement, while elements near the pivot at 3:00 show minimal or undetectable movement. The affected text includes UNITED STATES, ONE, and E PLURIB — a partial rendering of E PLURIBUS UNUM that indicates the doubling diminishes before reaching the UNUM portion, consistent with a pivot-based geometry where spread decreases as elements approach the rotation center. John Sinnock designed the Roosevelt dime obverse, which debuted in 1946, and the reverse carries the torch flanked by olive and oak branches. The Wexler Team cataloged this as Wexler Variety ID: 1963 10c Pr WDDR-003, noting no significant die markers on either side. Proof dime production for 1963 reached approximately 3.08 million sets. The 90% silver composition of pre-1965 proof dimes produces distinctively brilliant reflective surfaces that can make doubled die detection both easier and more challenging — the mirror-like fields sharply highlight any relief irregularity, but the high reflectivity can generate optical artifacts under direct lighting. Collectors should examine the ONE denomination word first, as its large letter forms and central reverse position make it the most accessible diagnostic starting point for confirming the CCW spread direction.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1963 10¢ Pr WDDR-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References