1968-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-023

Description

Attributed by Tony Russo and cataloged as 1968-S WDDO-023 Proof, this Class I (Rotated Hub Doubling) doubled die obverse variety appears on a 1968-S proof Jefferson nickel struck at the San Francisco Mint. The Jefferson nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter. Beginning in 1968, proof coin production returned to San Francisco after the 1965-1967 Special Mint Set hiatus, and the S mintmark was reintroduced for proof issues. Class I rotated hub doubling is among the most dramatic doubling mechanisms, occurring when the hub rotates clockwise or counterclockwise between impressions, creating a spread that increases with distance from the rotation center. On WDDO-023, a close Class I clockwise spread is visible on LIBERTY, the star, the date, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the designer's initials FS, affecting virtually the entire obverse legend and design periphery. Obverse die markers include a short vertical die gouge below the R of LIBERTY, a series of die gouges in Jefferson's hair above his ear, and a series of die gouges on the back of his collar. The reverse displays a curving die gouge above the long left window and a slanted die gouge to the left of the small right window of Monticello. As a proof issue, this coin was struck on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements. The proof striking process, with its higher pressures and slower production speed, can actually make doubled die features more sharply defined than on business strikes, enhancing the visibility of the Class I rotational spread across the obverse design elements.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Tony Russo
• Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S WDDO-023 Proof
• Expert attribution by Tony Russo

External References