1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-026

Description

Timothy Wissert attributed this proof 1971-S Jefferson Nickel doubled die obverse, cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1971-S WDDO-026 Proof. The variety exhibits Class II distorted hub doubling showing extremely close doubling on the designer's initials FS (Felix Schlag, who designed the Jefferson Nickel in 1938). Class II doubling results from distortion of the hub itself, where the hub surface deforms slightly during the hubbing process, creating a spread that differs from the linear offset of Class I or the rotational shift of Class III varieties. Reverse die markers include die scratches between the long and small right windows of Monticello and two die gouges between the second T and E of STATES, while no obverse markers were noted beyond the doubling. The 1971-S proof nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint exclusively for proof sets, where the multiple-strike proof process and polished dies make even extremely close doubling visible under magnification. Twenty-six documented doubled die obverses for the 1971-S proof nickel represents a significant concentration, likely reflecting both the intense scrutiny proof coins receive from collectors and the particular die preparation practices used at San Francisco during this period. Doubling on the designer's initials offers a compact diagnostic area for attribution.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S WDDO-026 Proof
• Expert attribution by Timothy Wissert

External References