1964 Proof Jefferson Nickel - Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-012

Description

Identified as a proof striking and attributed by John A. Wexler himself under Wexler Variety ID: 1964 WDDO-012 Proof, this Jefferson Nickel exhibits Class II distorted hub doubling — a close spread visible on IN GOD WE TRUST. Class II doubling occurs when the hub pivots slightly around a fixed point during a second impression, producing a fanning or spreading effect rather than a uniform displacement. Obverse die markers include a die gouge between the upper portions of the 9 and 6 of the date, along with a cluster of die dots to the upper right of the star. The reverse carries a die scratch on the upper left tip of the U of UNITED. The proof designation is significant because proof coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint on polished planchets using specially prepared dies with multiple impressions at lower speed — yet the hubbing process that created this doubled die occurred before the die entered the proof press, meaning the doubling was inherent to the die itself regardless of how carefully the proof coins were struck. The 1964 proof Jefferson Nickel was among the last proofs struck before the Mint suspended proof production from 1965 through 1967 during the coinage composition transition, making this a terminal-year proof variety from the original Felix Schlag design era.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1964 WDDO-012 Proof

External References