2022 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006

Description

Attributed by Craig Simpson and cataloged as 2022-P WDDR-006 in the Wexler Doubled Die Files, this Jefferson Nickel exhibits Class VIII Tilted Hub Doubling with nice doubling on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA decreasing from left to right, close doubling on E PLUR and FIVE — a pattern where the tilt axis orientation produces maximum displacement on the left-side inscriptions and progressively less effect moving rightward. Obverse die markers include two die chips above Jefferson's left eye and a die chip on his nose — three facial feature markers that provide a quick-check diagnostic cluster on the portrait. The reverse carries an extensive marker set: a die gouge above and between the I and C of MONTICELLO, die cracks on the left side of the dome, and die scratches below the O of MONTICELLO. An attribution note indicates this variety may prove to be a later die state of 2022 5¢ WDDR-005, suggesting the two catalog entries could represent the same reverse die at different points in its production life — if confirmed, this would consolidate WDDR-005 and WDDR-006 under a single die identity with multiple documented die states. The 2022 Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) weighing 5.00 grams with a 21.21 mm diameter. The Monticello reverse design, restored in 2006, is a modified version of Felix Schlag's original 1938 rendering. Craig Simpson's attribution work and the noted possible connection to WDDR-005 illustrate the ongoing analytical process in variety attribution, where newly cataloged varieties are continuously cross-checked against existing entries to identify potential die state relationships. The dome cracks on the left side provide both a die state indicator and an attribution diagnostic, as progressive dome deterioration follows predictable paths through the architectural design.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Craig Simpson
• Wexler Variety ID: 2022-P WDDR-006
• Expert attribution by Craig Simpson

External References