2012 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002

Description

Attributed by John J. Starner and carrying Wexler variety identifier 2012-P WDDR-002, this Philadelphia Jefferson nickel displays Class VIII tilted hub doubling on its reverse — one of the least common doubling classes, occurring when the hub and die are tilted relative to each other during the impression transfer. Class VIII doubling manifests below the upper portion of the door frame and below the triangle above the center door, above the steps of Jamie Franki's Return to Monticello reverse design that replaced Felix Schlag's original rendering in 2006. Tilted hub doubling produces a distinctive effect where the spread varies in direction and intensity across the die face depending on each element's position relative to the tilt axis, unlike the uniform spread of Class I or the radial pattern of Class V. Reverse die markers provide reliable secondary diagnostics: a die gouge sits above the designer's initials FS, a die dot appears between the lower portions of U and N in UNITED, and a small die dot is positioned almost at the center of the center door above the steps. On the obverse, no significant markers have been documented. The Return to Monticello design, featuring a three-quarter view of Jefferson's home with enhanced architectural detail, was created to complement the new forward-facing Jefferson portrait introduced in 2005, and its intricate building elements — doors, windows, columns, and pediment — provide numerous reference points where tilted hub doubling can be detected and measured.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John J. Starner
• Wexler Variety ID: 2012-P WDDR-002
• Expert attribution by John J. Starner

External References