1955 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-013

Description

Brian A. Ribar attributed this Class II distorted hub doubling variety on the 1955 proof Jefferson nickel, where the reverse doubling on STATES OF AMERICA increases in intensity from left to right across the inscription. Additional doubling appears on CENTS, the LLO of MONTICELLO, and the right side of the building itself. The progressive increase from left to right is a hallmark of Class II mechanics, where the hub distortion radiates outward from a fixed point, creating greater displacement at increasing distances. Reverse die markers are concentrated around the small right window area of Monticello: a heavy curved die gouge above the window at the roofline and a series of die gouges to the lower left of the small right window. No significant obverse die markers have been noted. The 1955 date occupies a pivotal year in Jefferson nickel variety collecting — it was the year of the famous 1955 doubled die obverse cent, and proof production was high across all denominations as the Mint expanded its collector programs. WDDR-013's proof status means every surviving example was preserved from the moment of manufacture, struck on polished planchets that provide excellent contrast for examining the progressive doubling spread across the Monticello facade and surrounding lettering.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1955 WDDR-013 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References