1964-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-015

Description

Strong Class II tripling on the reverse motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is the headline feature of WDDR-015 for the 1964-D Jefferson nickel, a distorted hub variety attributed by Brian A. Ribar. The tripling — three distinct impressions rather than the more common two — produces a pronounced shelf effect along the tops and bottoms of the motto letters, with the extra images displaced laterally due to the Class II distortion mechanism. A separate, much closer doubled spread affects UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, where the secondary image hugs the primary lettering tightly enough that a loupe of at least 7x is recommended for confident detection. Obverse die markers include a die gouge positioned to the right of the S in TRUST, a reliable diagnostic that persists across die states. On the reverse, a die scratch runs above and between the small and long left windows of Monticello, accompanied by a second die scratch above the right arch. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1964-D WDDR-015, this variety emerged from the Denver Mint's massive 1964 nickel production of 1,787,297,160 pieces — the largest single-year mintage in the Jefferson series at that point. The extraordinary output, driven by the coin shortage crisis that led Congress to freeze date changes, meant that hundreds of die pairs saw service, and the rapid die rotation created ample opportunity for hub doubling anomalies like WDDR-015 to enter circulation undetected.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1964-D WDDR-015
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References