1964 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-078

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler, this Class II doubled die reverse on the 1964 Jefferson Nickel exhibits distorted hub doubling visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM, with the spread decreasing from left to right across the inscription. Class II doubling results from a distortion in the hubbing process rather than a simple lateral shift, producing a spread that varies in intensity across the affected design elements. Close examination reveals the strongest displacement on the leftmost letters, tapering as the eye moves rightward through the motto. Die markers aid attribution: the reverse carries two die scratches above the right arch of Monticello and an additional die scratch in the upper portion of the M in UNUM, while no significant obverse markers have been noted. The 1964 Philadelphia issue was struck during a period of extraordinary mintage volume driven by a nationwide coin shortage that prompted Congress to freeze the date on coins into 1965. Jefferson Nickels of this era were produced in enormous quantities on the standard 75% copper, 25% nickel composition that has defined the denomination since 1938. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID: 1964 WDDR-078, this variety rewards careful reverse inspection under moderate magnification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1964 WDDR-078
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References