1969-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-030

Description

Combining Class II distorted hub doubling with Class VI distended hub doubling, WDDR-030 on the 1969-S proof Jefferson Nickel exhibits a dual-mechanism variety that earned inclusion in the "Best Of" Nickel Doubled Die Varieties listing curated by Brian A. Ribar. This distinction places it among the most noteworthy doubled die varieties across the entire Jefferson Nickel series — a significant recognition given the hundreds of cataloged varieties spanning the series' eight decades of production. Obverse die markers show no noted features, while the reverse carries a die scratch across the upper portions of the first and second columns of Monticello and a die gouge to the left of the upper portion of the third column. The S mintmark confirms San Francisco proof production, where 2,934,631 proof Jefferson Nickels were struck in 1969 as part of the annual proof set. Class II doubling from hub distortion combined with Class VI distension — where the hub expands or contracts slightly during the sinking process — produces a complex spread pattern that exhibits characteristics of both mechanisms simultaneously. Wexler cataloged this under variety ID 1969-S WDDR-030 Proof, and the "Best Of" designation indicates this variety exceeds a quality threshold for visual impact, rarity, or attribution significance. Proof specimens provide superior surfaces for examining doubled die characteristics because the mirror fields and frosted devices create high contrast that reveals secondary impressions more clearly than the luster patterns of business strikes.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1969-S WDDR-030 Proof "Best Of" Nickel Doubled Die Varieties
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References