1981-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002

Description

Combining Class II (Distorted Hub) and Class VI (Distended Hub) doubling mechanisms, this 1981-D Jefferson Nickel DDR exhibits a strong spread toward the center on E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and slightly on FIVE CENTS. The dual-class attribution is relatively uncommon, indicating that the hub underwent both rotational distortion and a change in effective diameter during the impression cycle. Reverse die markers: a short die scratch under the first L of MONTICELLO, diagonal die scratches running NW to SE between VE of FIVE and the first T of STATES, and a die crack from the lower right of the building to the rim. Obverse: none noted. Ronald Bullock is credited with the discovery and attribution of this variety. Cross-referenced under the Wexler system as 1981-D WDDR-002. Denver produced approximately 364 million nickels in 1981, a substantial output that subjected each die pair to extensive use. The combination of two doubling classes makes WDDR-002 particularly instructive for understanding the mechanical forces at work during the hubbing process.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ronald Bullock
• Wexler Variety ID: 1981-D WDDR-002
• Expert attribution by Ronald Bullock

External References