1972-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Holding the primary obverse doubled die designation for the 1972-D Jefferson nickel, WDDO-001 exhibits close Class VIII tilted hub doubling on the numeral 2 of the date. Class VIII doubling in the Wexler classification system results from a tilted hub — where the hub contacts the die at a slight angle rather than perfectly parallel, creating doubling that varies in intensity across different areas of the design based on their distance from the tilt axis. Felix Schlag's Jefferson portrait, which has graced the nickel obverse since 1938, places the date at the lower right beneath Jefferson's bust, where the numeral 2 occupies the terminal position and sits furthest from the center of the design — a location where tilted hub effects can be most pronounced. Denver struck approximately 351.7 million nickels in 1972, a substantial production run that consumed numerous die pairs across the year. The close designation indicates the doubling produces minimal separation between primary and secondary impressions, resulting in thickened digit contours rather than clearly split images. Obverse die markers provide crucial attribution diagnostics: a slanted die scratch runs to the left of the front of Jefferson's collar, and a second die scratch appears in the hair to the upper right of the forehead. These die-specific markers serve as fingerprints that uniquely identify this working die, allowing collectors to confirm they are examining the correct variety even before locating the subtle doubling on the 2. No significant reverse die markers were recorded. Examination should begin by locating the slanted collar scratch and forehead hair scratch to verify the die, then focus 15-20x magnification on the numeral 2, looking for thickened or slightly displaced contours that indicate the secondary hub impression. The close spread means patience and proper lighting angle are essential for confirmation.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Slanted die scratch to left of front of Jefferson's collar; die scratch in hair to upper right of forehead.
• Reverse: None noted.

External References