1970-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-005

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler, WDDR-005 on the 1970-S Proof Jefferson Nickel presents a strong Class II distorted hub doubling spread toward the center on E PLURIBUS UNUM, with a closer spread on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. All spreads increase from left to right across the inscriptions, a characteristic directional pattern of Class II hub flex. Proof nickels from 1970 were struck at the San Francisco Mint, which had assumed exclusive proof production responsibilities beginning in 1968. The controlled striking environment of proof coinage paradoxically makes hub doubling both less common in occurrence and more visible when it does appear, since the mirror fields and sharp rims leave doubling nowhere to hide. Reverse die markers for this variety are notably specific: two small die gouges appearing as dots sit on the center door between the second and third columns of Monticello, with an additional dot-like gouge between the first and second columns and another to the lower right of the third column. No significant obverse markers have been documented. The dot-pattern die markers around the Monticello columns make attribution particularly reliable.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S WDDR-005 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References