1953-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar, the 1953-D Jefferson Nickel WDDR-002 displays Class II distorted hub doubling visible on UNUM and AMERICA — design elements on Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse that show the characteristic distortion-based displacement of Class II varieties. The doubling results from the hub flexing during the die impression process, creating a warped secondary image rather than the clean separation of rotational (Class I) doubling. A die gouge between the lower portions of the D in UNITED and the S of STATES on the reverse serves as a diagnostic die marker. The observation that this is a late die state specimen indicates the die had accumulated considerable wear before the documented example was struck. The 1953-D Jefferson Nickel was produced at the Denver Mint during the early post-Korean War era, when American coinage production was operating at elevated levels. As WDDR-002, this is the second documented doubled die reverse for the date, and Brian A. Ribar's attribution reflects his extensive contribution to Jefferson Nickel variety documentation. Class II doubling on the reverse legend requires careful examination to distinguish from die deterioration effects, as the distortion-based spread can mimic the general widening of letters seen on worn dies.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1953-D WDDR-002
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References