1968-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1968-S 10¢ Pr WDDO-002, this proof Roosevelt Dime displays an inward-directed spread on the date — a displacement pattern where the secondary hub impression shifted the doubled image of the date numerals toward the center of the die, producing offset visible on the outward-facing edges of each digit. This variety is paired with a Type 2 reverse die, a reverse hub variety distinguished by design differences in the torch and olive branch details on John R. Sinnock's reverse — an independent die characteristic unrelated to the obverse hub doubling but useful for narrowing attribution. No significant obverse die markers have been noted, placing attribution weight on the spread direction and magnitude on the date itself. The inward (centripetal) spread direction is less common than outward (rimward) displacement on proof coinage, and its concentration exclusively on the date — without extending to LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, or other obverse elements — indicates a hub offset so modest that only the date's position on the die produced displacement exceeding the visibility threshold. The 1968-S proof dime marks the first year San Francisco Mint proof dimes were struck in copper-nickel clad composition rather than 90% silver, following the Coinage Act of 1965's elimination of silver from circulating denominations. Struck on polished planchets with mirror-finish dies, the reflective proof surfaces enhance the visibility of the centripetal date spread against the mirrored field. Examine the date numerals under 7x to 10x magnification, focusing on the outward-facing edges where the inward offset is most apparent.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S 10¢ Pr WDDO-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References