1956 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Found on a proof striking, the 1956 Jefferson Nickel WDDO-004 exhibits close Class II doubling — distorted hub doubling — showing on IN GOD WE TRUST. Class II doubling results from a slightly warped or distorted hub face, which transfers design elements at subtly varying depths during the die-sinking process. The "close" designation indicates the secondary contours sit very near the primary impression, requiring careful examination under magnification. As a proof issue, this coin was struck on polished planchets using polished dies at the Philadelphia Mint, producing mirror-like fields that can aid in detecting close doubling because the reflective surface provides high contrast against any slight thickening of design elements. Die markers include a short die gouge below the 1 of the date on the obverse and many die gouges in and around the left arch of Monticello on the reverse — an unusually prolific set of reverse markers providing robust attribution confirmation. Attributed by the Wexler Team, this proof was struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.0 grams, bearing Felix Schlag's obverse portrait and Monticello reverse. Examine IN GOD WE TRUST under high magnification for the close Class II distorted doubling, and verify the die gouge below the 1 and the gouges around Monticello's left arch.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Short die gouge below 1 of date.
• Reverse: Many die gouges in and around left arch.

External References