2005 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-019

Description

Kenneth Russell identified this variety on the 2005-P Westward Journey "Ocean in View" Satin Finish Jefferson Nickel, now cataloged as Wexler 2005-P WDDO-019 Satin Finish Ocean in View. The Class VIII tilted hub doubling shows close spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, the motto positioned on Joe Fitzgerald's obverse portrait that was used exclusively during the 2005 portion of the Westward Journey series. As a satin finish issue, this coin was produced for inclusion in the 2005 uncirculated mint sets using a specialized burnishing process applied to the planchets before striking, creating a distinctive matte-like surface texture that differs from both standard business strikes and proof finishes — a surface that can complicate doubled die detection because the granular satin texture reduces the sharp contrast between primary and secondary impressions that mirror-finish proofs provide. Obverse markers include two short slanted die gouges below the D of the designer's initials DE and two short die gouges at the edge of the collar — the collar-edge gouges being particularly unusual markers that place identifying features at the coin's extreme periphery where they may be partially obscured by the collar impression during striking. The reverse carries die scratches above and extending from the upper right of the M in UNUM, with the scratches' directional consistency suggesting they were introduced during die surface preparation or polishing. The Westward Journey program (2004-2005) introduced two new reverse and obverse designs per year to commemorate the Lewis and Clark expedition's bicentennial, with the "Ocean in View" reverse by Joe Fitzgerald depicting the expedition's arrival at the Pacific coast. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 75% copper / 25% nickel at 5 grams, satin finish nickels were produced in smaller quantities than standard business strikes.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kenneth Russell
• Wexler Variety ID: 2005 P WDDO-019 Satin Finish Ocean in View
• Expert attribution by Kenneth Russell

External References