2005 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-012

Description

Bearing Class VIII tilted hub doubling, the 2005-P Jefferson nickel WDDO-012 from the Westward Journey "Ocean in View" design shows a very close spread on GOD and TRUST. Class VIII represents one of the less common doubling mechanisms, where a slight tilt between the hub and die during impression creates subtle displacement that varies in direction across different zones of the die face. Kenneth Russell discovered this variety, and the Wexler Team cataloged it as 2005 P WDDO-012 Satin Finish Ocean in View, confirming it originates from the satin finish striking intended for uncirculated mint sets rather than standard business strikes. Die markers include a small die dot to the left of the G in GOD and another die dot on Jefferson's collar near the rim at approximately the 6 o'clock position. Notably, the reverse die paired with this obverse is itself a doubled die, separately listed as 2005 P OIV 5¢ WDDR-004, making this a scarce DDO/DDR die marriage where both dies exhibit hub doubling. The 2005 Westward Journey series represented the second year of Jefferson nickel design changes honoring the Lewis and Clark expedition. Joe Fitzgerald's "Ocean in View" reverse depicts the Pacific coastline that the Corps of Discovery finally reached in November 1805. Satin finish coins were produced exclusively for annual uncirculated mint sets from 2005-2010, with a distinctive burnished surface texture that differs markedly from both business strikes and proofs. The dual doubled die status of this die marriage substantially increases its desirability among Jefferson nickel variety specialists.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kenneth Russell
• Wexler Variety ID: 2005 P WDDO-012 Satin Finish Ocean in View
• Expert attribution by Kenneth Russell

External References