2022 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-005

Description

Attributed by Craig Simpson and cataloged as Wexler Variety 2022-P WDDR-005, this doubled die reverse on the 2022 Philadelphia Jefferson Nickel has earned a spot among the "Best Of" Nickel Doubled Die Varieties — a distinction recognizing its visual prominence and collector significance. The variety exhibits Class VIII tilted hub doubling, where the hub was cocked at an angle during the die impression process, producing spread on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA that decreases progressively from left to right across the inscription. This graduated diminishment is the hallmark of tilted hub mechanics: the portion of the die closest to the tilt axis receives minimal displacement while the far edge receives maximum offset. Die markers confirm identification: the obverse shows a die crack above Jefferson's left eye, while the reverse displays a slanted die scratch between the LL of MONTICELLO and a die dent below RIB of PLURIBUS. Felix Schlag's original Jefferson portrait and the Return to Monticello reverse design, in production since 2006 following the Westward Journey series, are struck in standard copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) at 5.0 grams and 21.2 mm diameter with a plain edge. Class VIII doubling was added to the Wexler classification system to account for hub-tilt mechanisms distinct from the original seven classes, reflecting advances in understanding die manufacturing processes.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Craig Simpson
• Wexler Variety ID: 2022-P WDDR-005 "Best Of" Nickel Doubled Die Varieties
• Expert attribution by Craig Simpson

External References