1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-024

Description

Immediately following WDDO-023 in the Wexler catalog, this 1971-S Proof Jefferson Nickel WDDO-024 shares the same Class II Distorted Hub Doubling classification but presents an even closer spread — described as extremely close — on LIBERTY, the star, the date, the designer's initials, and IN GOD WE TRUST. Attributed by Timothy Wissert, the tighter spread means the doubling is subtler and demands higher magnification to confirm compared to WDDO-023. The obverse die marker is a short die gouge positioned above the right side of the E in WE, providing a precise locator for identification. Like its sequential neighbor, this variety's reverse die is also a doubled die, cataloged independently as 1971-S Pr 5¢ WDDR-033 — creating another dual-doubled die pair from the 1971 San Francisco proof production. The proof striking process, with its multiple impressions on mirror-finish planchets, can make extremely close hub doubling more difficult to detect because the sharp proof details may mask subtle displacement. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1971-S WDDO-024 Proof, this variety requires patient examination to separate from other 1971-S proof DDOs.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S WDDO-024 Proof
• Expert attribution by Timothy Wissert

External References