2012 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Class VIII tilted hub doubling on the 2012-P Jefferson nickel manifests on the lower portion of Jefferson's nose, creating a subtle but diagnostically significant distortion in the facial profile. Class VIII doubling results from a tilted hub impression where the hub contacts the die at a slight angle rather than perfectly parallel, producing doubling that varies in intensity across the die face depending on the tilt axis. The "Return to Monticello" design series, launched in 2006 after the Westward Journey program concluded, restored Felix Schlag's original Monticello reverse while retaining Jamie Franki's new forward-facing Jefferson portrait — a significant departure from Schlag's original left-facing profile that had served from 1938 through 2004. No significant obverse die markers were noted beyond the doubling itself, but the reverse is cross-listed as 2012-P 5 cent WDDR-005, indicating this obverse die was paired with a reverse die that carries its own doubled die classification. This dual-variety die marriage — WDDO-001 obverse with WDDR-005 reverse — creates a particularly interesting specimen for collectors who appreciate die variety combinations. As WDDO-001, this holds the primary obverse doubled die position for the 2012-P nickel. The tilted hub mechanism produces doubling that is strongest at the point farthest from the tilt axis and weakest at the axis itself, which explains why the nose — extending forward from the portrait — shows the most pronounced effect while flatter areas of the design remain unmarked.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Listed as 2012-P 5c WDDR-005.

External References