1964-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-013

Description

Classified as Class II distorted hub doubling, the 1964-D Jefferson Nickel WDDR-013 exhibits close doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM that becomes apparent under moderate magnification. The Class II mechanism arises when the hub and working die are misaligned during the hubbing process, creating a distortion that shifts design elements in a non-uniform pattern across the die face rather than the consistent directional spread seen in Class I rotated hub doubling. Specimens examined in late die state show machine doubling (strike doubling) on BUS and UNUM, which must be carefully distinguished from the genuine hub doubling — strike doubling produces flat, shelf-like displacement while hub doubling creates rounded, raised secondary images. Die markers aid attribution: the obverse carries no noted distinguishing marks, while the reverse displays a die scratch inside the upper portion of the N of CENTS and another die scratch to the upper right of the E of FIVE. These die-specific markers confirm that a particular working die is responsible for this variety, separating WDDR-013 from the twelve other doubled die reverses documented for the 1964-D nickel. The 1964-D Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Denver Mint during the final year before the Coinage Act of 1965 eliminated silver from dimes and quarters, and nickel production that year reached enormous levels as the Mint struggled to keep pace with coin shortages driven by hoarding. The sheer volume of 1964-D nickels produced — over 1.78 billion — meant hundreds of die pairs were consumed, and the hubbing process for each working die carried an independent probability of misalignment. Thirteen doubled die reverses documented for this single date and mint reflects both that enormous production and the decades of collector scrutiny applied to this heavily available issue.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Die scratch inside upper portion of N of CENTS; die scratch to upper right of E of FIVE.

External References