1991 (D) Jefferson Nickel - Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002

Description

Second in the Wexler-documented reverse doubled die census for the 1991-D Jefferson nickel, WDDR-002 is classified as Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling), where the hub itself underwent slight distortion between impressions rather than shifting position — creating a distinctive doubling pattern that differs from the clean directional shifts produced by Class I pivoted hub doubling. The doubling manifests on E PLURIBUS UNUM, the Latin motto inscribed above Felix Schlag's Monticello depiction on the reverse. Whaden Curtis, a recognized contributor to the die variety research community, submitted this attribution to the Wexler cataloging system. Obverse die markers show no noted distinguishing characteristics, but the reverse carries a diagnostic vertical die scratch inside the O of OF — providing an independent fingerprint for confirming this specific working die. The Wexler Team assigned the formal designation Wexler Variety ID: 1991-D WDDR-002, cross-referencing Curtis's original submission. Class II distorted hub doubling produces a characteristic "shelf-like" appearance on affected design elements, where the secondary impression creates a stepped or notched effect along letter edges rather than the parallel separation seen with Class I rotational doubling. This mechanism affects each letter differently based on its orientation relative to the distortion axis, meaning some letters in E PLURIBUS UNUM may show more pronounced doubling than others. Collectors should use 15-20x magnification on the motto inscription, first confirming the vertical die scratch inside the O of OF to verify the correct die.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1991-D WDDR-002

External References