2005 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009

Description

Discovered by Kenneth Russell on a 2005 Philadelphia Mint Satin Finish Jefferson Nickel bearing the "Ocean in View" Westward Journey reverse design, WDDO-009 exhibits a very close Class VIII tilted hub doubling on the words GOD and TRUST. Class VIII doubling occurs when the hub is slightly tilted relative to the die during the hubbing process — rather than a lateral shift or rotation, the hub rocks on an axis, creating doubling that varies in intensity across the design depending on distance from the tilt axis. The Westward Journey series, struck in 2004 and 2005, featured special obverse and reverse designs celebrating the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the "Ocean in View" reverse commemorated the moment when the expedition first sighted the Pacific Ocean. The Satin Finish designation identifies this as a coin from the 2005 Uncirculated Mint Set, which featured a distinctive matte-like surface different from standard business strikes — created by specially prepared dies that imparted a soft, non-reflective luster. Die markers include a small die dot in the field to the right of "JOY!" below the last wave on the reverse. No significant obverse markers were noted. The ninth doubled die obverse for this commemorative design demonstrates that even limited-production special finish coins are subject to the same hubbing anomalies that affect regular coinage. The intersection of a Westward Journey design, Satin Finish production, and doubled die attribution creates a uniquely collectible variety.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kenneth Russell
• Wexler Variety ID: 2005 P WDDO-009 Satin Finish Ocean in View
• Expert attribution by Kenneth Russell

External References