1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002

Description

This 1956 Jefferson Nickel exhibits Class II Distorted Hub Doubling on the reverse, producing close spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The defining characteristic of Class II doubling is that spread increases slightly from left to right across the affected design elements, a pattern resulting from dimensional distortion of the hub rather than misalignment between hub and die. On the obverse, two die gouges serve as primary identification markers: one below Jefferson's chin and another below his ear. Reverse die markers include a die scratch below E P of E PLURIBUS and die scratches above the right porch of Monticello. The close spread typical of Class II requires careful examination under magnification, as extra thickness on individual letters may be subtle. However, the left-to-right progression of increasing spread provides a systematic way to confirm the diagnosis, as this directional pattern distinguishes Class II from other doubling mechanisms that produce uniform or differently oriented spread. The obverse die gouges below the chin and ear offer the most accessible starting points, guiding the examiner to verify the reverse doubling.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die gouge below Jefferson's chin; die gouge below his ear.
• Reverse: Die scratch below E P of E PLURIBUS; die scratches above right porch.

External References