1967 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002

Description

The 1967 WDDR-002 is a Class II (distorted hub) doubled die reverse variety on a Jefferson nickel, produced during the Special Mint Set era of 1965-1967 when the United States Mint eliminated mintmarks and proof sets in response to a nationwide coin shortage. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a diameter of 21.2 mm. Production figures for 1967 Jefferson nickels reached approximately 107 million pieces from the Philadelphia facility, though coins bore no mintmark during this period. The Class II doubling shows a very close constant spread toward the center on E PLURIBUS UNUM, with additional very close center-ward spreading on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA that increases slightly from left to right. This left-to-right progression is diagnostic of the rotational component of distorted hub doubling. The die markers are particularly significant: the obverse of this coin is listed as 1967 SMS 5¢ WDDO-001, indicating this reverse doubled die was paired with a known doubled die obverse. The combination of both a DDO and DDR on the same coin creates a dual-variety specimen, an occurrence that is relatively uncommon and highly prized by Jefferson nickel variety collectors. Reverse die markers include a short die gouge inside the upper portion of the E in E PLURIBUS UNUM and a light die scratch from the center of that E to the second L of MONTICELLO. Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse provides the architectural and inscription details where the Class II doubling is visible, and the pairing with the WDDO-001 obverse adds considerable numismatic significance. The 1965-1967 era coins without mintmarks present unique collecting challenges, as all production from this period is attributed to Philadelphia regardless of actual striking facility.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Listed as 1967 SMS 5c WDDO-001.
• Reverse: Short die gouge inside upper portion of E of E PLURIBUS UNUM; light die scratch from center of E to second L of MONTICELLO.

External References