2005 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-017

Description

Nice Class VIII tilted hub doubling shows on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and strongly on the date of this seventeenth doubled die obverse for the 2005 Jefferson Nickel Westward Journey "Ocean in View" design — a Satin Finish variety found in Mint Sets. Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 2005 P WDDO-017 Satin Finish Ocean in View, the Satin Finish designation indicates this variety appears on coins with the distinctive matte surface treatment applied to 2005 Mint Set specimens. Die markers include two sets of die gouges to the left of designer's initials DE on the obverse, while no reverse markers were noted. Class VIII tilted hub doubling results from angular displacement between the hub and die during hubbing, and the strong effect on the date area — located near the rim where tilt produces maximum displacement — is characteristic of this doubling class. The 2005 Westward Journey series represented a brief departure from the traditional Monticello reverse, celebrating the Lewis and Clark expedition's bicentennial with two special reverse designs. Satin Finish varieties are of particular interest because the limited production of Mint Sets means fewer coins exhibit these surface characteristics, potentially making the variety scarcer than its business strike counterparts.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 2005 P WDDO-017 Satin Finish Ocean in View
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References