1968-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-026

Description

A nice Class I clockwise spread distinguishes this 1968-S Proof Jefferson Nickel WDDO-026, with doubling visible on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the star, the date, and Felix Schlag's designer initials FS. Class I doubling results from rotational displacement between hub and die during hubbing, producing spread that follows a curved path radiating from the pivot point. Schlag's FS initials were added to the obverse beginning in 1966, making late-1960s proof nickels among the earliest issues to carry this element. Attributed by Brian A. Ribar, the variety is cross-referenced as Wexler 1968-S WDDO-026 Proof. Reverse die markers include a strong die gouge inside the second U of UNUM and a die gouge on the upper right portion of the L of PLURIBUS, providing reliable secondary diagnostics for confirming the correct die pair. No obverse markers were noted beyond the doubling itself. San Francisco proof nickels from this era were struck on polished planchets with specially prepared dies, and the mirror-like fields of proof surfaces make doubled die features easier to detect because the reflective background provides high contrast against raised design elements.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S WDDO-026 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References