2023 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-020

Description

Brian A. Ribar's attribution of this 2023-P Jefferson Nickel reverse die, cataloged as Wexler Variety ID 2023-P WDDR-020, identifies a Class VIII tilted hub doubling pattern affecting the top step of the center steps and the letters T, I, C of MONTICELLO. Tilted hub doubling generates spread that varies across the die face as a function of distance from the tilt axis, and on this die the affected elements cluster in the center-upper portion of the Monticello facade where the angular offset produced sufficient displacement to create visible secondary impressions. An unusually detailed set of die markers provides robust attribution support across both sides of the coin. The obverse carries a die gouge to the lower left of the G of GOD and two die dots positioned to the right of Jefferson's nose — small raised features on struck coins corresponding to recesses accidentally introduced into the die surface during manufacturing or handling. The reverse presents three additional diagnostics: a die dot below the C of MONTICELLO, two die gouges between the E and D of UNITED, and a die gouge inside the lower portion of the E in E PLURIBUS UNUM. This density of die markers — six distinct points across both dies — makes WDDR-020 one of the more securely attributable varieties in the 2023-P Jefferson Nickel doubled die census, since the probability of another die pair carrying an identical combination of incidental marks approaches zero. The 2023-P was struck in the standard 75% copper / 25% nickel composition at the Philadelphia Mint. Collectors should examine the center steps and MONTICELLO lettering at 7x to 10x under angled lighting from the south to catch the northward shift of the secondary impressions relative to the primary design.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 2023-P WDDR-020
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References