2005 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Attributed by Kenneth Russell and cross-referenced under Wexler's catalog as 2005 P WDDO-003 Satin Finish Bison, this Jefferson Nickel doubled die obverse from the Westward Journey series exhibits Class VIII tilted hub doubling — one of the eight recognized doubling classes in die variety taxonomy. Class VIII doubling results from a slight angular tilt between the hub and working die during the hubbing process, creating a spread that varies in width across the coin's surface depending on distance from the tilt axis. On this particular variety, close doubling is visible on the IN GOD WE TRUST motto, the word LIBERTY, and the date numerals, with the spread being subtle enough to require magnification for confident attribution. The Satin Finish designation places this coin among the special uncirculated specimens produced exclusively for United States Mint Sets during the 2004-2010 period, when business strike coins received a distinctive satin surface treatment rather than the standard brilliant finish. The Bison reverse, designed by Jamie Franki, was one of two reverse designs used during the 2005 portion of the Westward Journey Nickel Series, which commemorated the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Obverse die markers include a diagnostic die dot positioned below and to the left of Jefferson's nostril, while no significant reverse markers have been recorded. The combination of the limited-distribution Satin Finish surface with a doubled die variety makes this coin particularly scarce, as most Satin Finish nickels circulated only through Mint Set purchases rather than entering general commerce where they might be discovered by roll searchers.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kenneth Russell
• Wexler Variety ID: 2005 P WDDO-003 Satin Finish Bison
• Expert attribution by Kenneth Russell

External References