1970-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006

Description

Classified as Class II Distorted Hub Doubling, the 1970-S Jefferson nickel WDDR-006 exhibits spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM — the Latin motto meaning "Out of Many, One" that appears above Monticello on Felix Schlag's reverse design. Class II doubling in the Wexler system results from a rotational misalignment between hub impressions, where the working hub pivoted around a center point during the second impression, producing spread that varies in magnitude depending on distance from the rotation axis. San Francisco struck approximately 238.8 million nickels in 1970, maintaining its role as a major production facility alongside Philadelphia and Denver. The reverse die carries a specific diagnostic marker: a die gouge positioned above the left upright of the second U in UNUM. This gouge — a depression in the die surface that produces a raised bump on struck coins — serves as a critical secondary identifier for confirming the DDR attribution, since the gouge is unique to this particular working die. No significant obverse die markers were recorded. The concentration of doubling solely on E PLURIBUS UNUM, without affecting UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FIVE CENTS, or MONTICELLO, suggests the Class II rotation center was positioned such that the motto absorbed the greatest angular displacement while areas closer to the pivot point received minimal or undetectable doubling. Collectors should examine the die gouge above the second U first to confirm the correct die, then verify the E PLURIBUS UNUM spread under magnification.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Die gouge above left upright of second U of UNUM.

External References