1916 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Classified as Class V pivoted hub doubling with a clockwise spread from a pivot at approximately the 2:00 position, this first Wexler doubled die obverse for the 1916 Buffalo Nickel ranks among the most significant varieties in the nickel five-cent series. The pivot mechanics produce doubling that increases in intensity with distance from the pivot axis — elements near 2:00 show minimal displacement while features opposite the pivot exhibit the strongest spread. This geometry explains why the doubling affects nearly the entire obverse portrait: the date, ribbon ties, feather tips, braid, neck, nose, lips, and chin all show displacement, with each element's strength proportional to its distance from the pivot. Cross-referenced as CONECA 1-O-V — first attribution, obverse, Class V — and Cherrypickers FS-05-1916-101, the variety is documented across multiple major attribution systems. James Earle Fraser's iconic Buffalo Nickel, featuring a composite Native American portrait, provides high-relief elements whose doubling is detectable even on circulated specimens. No significant die markers appear on either side, placing attribution emphasis entirely on the doubled die characteristics.

Attribution History

• Discovered by J. T. Stanton Cross References: CONECA: 1-O-V, Cherrypickers: FS-05-1916-101 (016)
• CONECA: 1-O-V, Cherrypickers: FS-05-1916-101 (016); Wexler Variety ID: 1916 5¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References