1968-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-021

Description

Struck at San Francisco in the first year that proof coinage production transferred from Philadelphia, the 1968-S WDDO-021 is a Class I rotated hub doubled die obverse on the proof Jefferson nickel, attributed by Whaden Curtis. Class I doubling results from a rotated hub and produces a distinctive rotational spread pattern, setting it apart from the more common Class II and Class VIII varieties. This variety exhibits strong counterclockwise spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the star, the date, and the designer's initials, affecting virtually every obverse design element. The obverse carries a series of horizontal die scratches between the upper portions of B and E of LIBERTY, plus fine die scratches on the end of Jefferson's queue. On the reverse, a short vertical die gouge near the rim to the upper left of E PLURIBUS UNUM provides a pickup point. Cataloged under the Wexler designation 1968-S WDDO-021 Proof, the strong rotational spread across the full obverse makes this one of the more dramatic proof Jefferson nickel doubled dies, and its provenance from the inaugural San Francisco proof year adds historical significance to an already compelling variety.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Whaden Curtis
• Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S WDDO-021 Proof
• Expert attribution by Whaden Curtis

External References