1969-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-043

Description

Attributed by Brian Ribar, WDDR-043 on the 1969-S proof Jefferson nickel is a Class II distorted hub doubling variety showing a close spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and STATES OF AMERICA. The Class II mechanism produces a characteristic centripetal displacement where design elements appear to shift inward, distinguishing it from the rotational spread of Class I or the lateral offset of other doubling classes. Key reverse die markers aid identification: a die gouge on the lower right inside portion of the M of AMERICA, heavy die scratches on the rim below the D of UNITED, and a short die scratch above the small left window of Monticello. No notable obverse die markers have been recorded. As a proof issue, this coin was struck at San Francisco on specially prepared planchets with multiple impressions per coin, producing the mirror fields and frosted devices characteristic of proof coinage. The close nature of this particular spread means the doubling manifests primarily as thickening of letter strokes rather than dramatic separation, requiring at least 5x-10x magnification for confident attribution. The 1969-S proof nickel was distributed exclusively through official proof sets, ensuring all surviving examples were collector-preserved from day one.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1969-S WDDR-043 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian Ribar

External References