2019 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-019

Description

Attributed by Marc Taylor and cataloged under Wexler Variety ID 2019-P WDDR-019, this Jefferson Nickel doubled die reverse exhibits Class VIII tilted hub doubling — a mechanical classification indicating that the secondary hub impression was tilted relative to the first, producing doubling that varies in width and direction across different areas of the die face. The Class VIII doubling manifests below the upper portion of the door frame on Monticello's center door, above the entrance steps — a location where the architectural detail provides clean reference geometry for measuring the displacement. Several die markers authenticate this specific working die: on the obverse, a die dot sits below Jefferson's right eye; on the reverse, a die gouge appears above the T of UNITED, and a short die gouge extends from the lower right side of the second O in MONTICELLO. These die-specific artifacts serve as fingerprints that confirm the coin was struck from this particular die rather than from any of the other eighteen 2019-P DDRs in the catalog. Felix Schlag's Monticello design, depicting Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate with its distinctive dome and columned portico, has graced the nickel reverse since 1938 (with a brief interruption for the 2004-2005 Westward Journey designs). The 2019-P was struck in the standard 75% copper, 25% nickel composition at 5.0 grams. Tilted hub doubling on architectural designs like Monticello creates a distinctive effect where the doubling spread increases progressively away from the tilt axis, making the door frame area an ideal diagnostic zone.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Marc Taylor
• Wexler Variety ID: 2019-P WDDR-019
• Expert attribution by Marc Taylor

External References