1964-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Identified as Class II Distorted Hub Doubling, this third Wexler-cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1964-D Jefferson Nickel exhibits close doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST — a phrase that was central to the coin's design and particularly susceptible to showing hub distortion effects. Class II doubling results from distortion in the hub itself between impressions during the die manufacturing process, producing a non-uniform spread that differs from the rotational separation of Class I varieties. The die markers provide essential attribution diagnostics: on the obverse, two short die scratches appear at the back of Jefferson's head below LI of LIBERTY, while the reverse shows a series of die gouges between E and N of CENTS plus a die gouge extending from the upper right side of M of AMERICA. The 1964-D was struck in staggering quantities at the Denver Mint — over 1.78 billion nickels — as the United States Mint raced to address a nationwide coin shortage that had been building since the early 1960s. This unprecedented production volume, driven by the increasing use of vending machines and the speculative hoarding of silver coins, meant that enormous numbers of dies were manufactured and consumed in rapid succession, providing ample opportunity for hub distortion errors to enter the production stream. The sheer scale of 1964-D nickel production makes die varieties from this date both historically significant and relatively available to collectors.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Two short die scratches at back of Jefferson's head below LI of LIBERTY.
• Reverse: Serie of die gouges between E and N of CENTS; die gouge extending from upper right side of M of AMERICA.

External References