1969-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-026

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar, WDDR-026 of the 1969-S Proof Jefferson Nickel displays Class II (Distorted Hub) doubling with a close spread across two reverse inscriptions: E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Both affected areas exhibit doubling that increases in intensity from left to right, confirming a single distorted hub event that affected the entire die face with varying degrees of displacement. The close spread means the separation between original and doubled images is narrow, requiring careful magnification. San Francisco's proof production in 1969 was in its second year since absorbing proof operations from Philadelphia, and WDDR-026's high catalog number — twenty-sixth in the series — points to substantial doubled die activity among proof reverse dies from this era. A diagnostic die scratch on the rim above UNUM provides a secondary confirmation point. The 1969-S is also famous for the extremely rare 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Lincoln Cent, though WDDR-026 stands on its own merits as a documented proof nickel variety with clear directional doubling across multiple design elements.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1969-S WDDR-026 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References