1964 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-025

Description

Arising from a Class II distorted hub doubling mechanism, the 1964 Jefferson Nickel WDDO-025 shows doubling on LIBERTY, the five-pointed star, and the date on Felix Schlag's obverse. Class II doubling occurs when the working hub undergoes slight distortion — typically from excessive annealing or mechanical stress — causing elements on one portion of the design to shift relative to others during the hubbing process. This produces doubling that varies across the die face rather than showing uniform directional spread. The simultaneous appearance of doubling on LIBERTY, the star, and the date suggests these elements all fell within the zone of distortion on the hub. A strong die gouge positioned between the E of WE and the first T of TRUST on the obverse serves as a reliable die marker, appearing as a raised lump in the field between these letters. No reverse die markers have been noted. The 1964 Philadelphia Mint issue was the last year of standard business-strike Jefferson Nickel production before the Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated mintmarks and introduced Special Mint Sets. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.0 grams. Examine LIBERTY, the star, and the date for the characteristic non-uniform doubling of Class II, then confirm the strong die gouge between E of WE and the first T of TRUST.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Strong die gouge between E of WE and first T of TRUST.
• Reverse: None noted.

External References