1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-005

Description

Cross-referenced as CONECA 16-R-II-C(3) and carrying the designation WDDR-005, this Class II doubled die reverse was struck on a 1956 Jefferson nickel at the Philadelphia Mint. The Jefferson nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter and a plain edge. The doubling on WDDR-005 is characterized as very nice Class II tripling on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with lesser doubling visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE CENTS, and the letters LLO of MONTICELLO. The tripling designation — indicated by the (3) in the CONECA classification 16-R-II-C(3) — confirms that three distinct hub impressions are detectable rather than the standard two, meaning the die was hubbed at least three separate times with measurable displacement between each impression. Tripled die varieties are less common than standard doubled dies and represent an unusual sequence of hubbing events during die manufacture. Obverse die markers include two die dots positioned in Jefferson's hair at approximately 11 o'clock on the obverse and a die scratch on the lower portion of his collar. On the reverse, die gouges appear near the rim below the first A of AMERICA. The die markers on both the obverse and reverse provide essential secondary confirmation points beyond the tripling itself, allowing attributors to verify the specific die even on specimens where the tripling may be less distinct due to wear or strike quality. The 1956 Jefferson nickel occupies the post-war era of this series before the major composition changes and design modifications of later decades, and WDDR-005's CONECA cross-reference confirms its recognition by both major attribution systems. The presence of genuine tripling elevates this variety above the more common doubled die varieties from the same date and makes it a noteworthy target for Jefferson nickel variety specialists.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Two die dots in Jefferson's hair at 11:00; die scratch on lower portion of his collar
• Reverse: Die gouges near rim below first A of AMERICA.

Attribution History

• CONECA 16-R-II-C(3)

External References