1968-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-014

Description

Attributed by Whaden Curtis, this Class II doubled die reverse on the 1968-S Jefferson Nickel displays distorted hub doubling on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the spread decreasing from left to right across the legend. Class II doubling arises from distortion during the hubbing process, creating a progressive spread that intensifies on one side of the affected text and diminishes toward the other — a signature characteristic that distinguishes it from the uniform displacement of Class I rotated doubling. Close inspection reveals the strongest doubling on the leftmost letters of the inscription, tapering as the text continues rightward. Reverse die markers include a die scratch above the TI of MONTICELLO and a die scratch above the M of AMERICA, while no significant obverse markers have been noted. The 1968 San Francisco issue holds historical significance as part of the first year S-mint coins returned to circulation after a hiatus stretching back to 1955, when San Francisco had ceased striking circulating denomination coins. The resumption of S-mint circulation strikes in 1968 opened a new chapter for the facility previously focused on proof production. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S WDDR-014.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Whaden Curtis
• Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S WDDR-014
• Expert attribution by Whaden Curtis

External References