1955 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler himself — the co-founder of the Wexler doubled die classification system — and cataloged as 1955 WDDR-003 Proof, this proof Jefferson Nickel exhibits Class II + V (Distorted and Pivoted Hub Doubling), a dual-mechanism anomaly where both distortion and pivot effects combined during the hubbing process. Nice Class II and Class V doubling shows on UNUM and OF AMERICA, while lesser doubling appears on CENTS and the LLO of MONTICELLO — a distribution pattern where the strongest effects concentrate on the upper right inscriptions and diminish toward other areas, consistent with a distortion epicenter in that region of the die. Obverse die markers include a slanted die scratch and gouge in Jefferson's hair along with a die scratch on the forehead at the hairline. Reverse markers consist of two die scratches running from the top of the second column of Monticello north-northeast toward the architrave — the horizontal beam above the columns — connecting architectural elements in a diagnostic line unique to this die. The combined Class II + V mechanism is relatively uncommon because it requires two distinct anomalies to occur simultaneously during the same hubbing sequence, making varieties with this dual classification inherently more interesting from a die manufacturing analysis perspective. The 1955 proof Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) weighing 5.0 grams with a diameter of 21.21 mm. Felix Schlag designed the original Jefferson portrait and Monticello reverse. The proof format's polished surfaces provide excellent conditions for examining the UNUM and OF AMERICA doubling, where the dual-mechanism spread creates a complex displacement pattern distinct from single-mechanism varieties.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1955 WDDR-003 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References