1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Error

Click to zoom

Verified LegacyDoubled Die Reverse

Attribution

Verified by

Frank Baumann

Original Research

Learn more at www2.briansvarietycoins.com

Market Value

N/A

Rarity Index

N/A

Discovery Date

1956

Last Sold

N/A

Description

Attributed by Frank Baumann and cross-referenced as CONECA 18-R-II-C(4), FS-05-1956-801(35.2), and Wexler Variety ID 1956 WDDR-001, this Class II doubled die reverse is recognized as one of the premier "Best Of" nickel doubled die varieties in the Jefferson nickel series. The Jefferson nickel, designed by Felix Schlag and introduced in 1938, is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter and a plain edge. Philadelphia struck 35,216,000 Jefferson nickels in 1956, a moderate mintage for the series. The CONECA classification 18-R-II-C(4) and its inclusion in the Fivaz-Stanton Cherrypickers' Guide as FS-05-1956-801 confirm this variety's elite status among Jefferson nickel doubled dies, warranting mainstream collector attention and commanding meaningful market premiums. This is a very nicely quadrupled die, meaning four distinct images are visible, showing very well on E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FIVE CENTS, and the MO and LO portions of MONTICELLO, as well as on both sides of the building itself. The presence of four separate hub impressions is exceptional, as most doubled dies show only two impressions, and the clear visibility of quadrupling across inscriptions, the denomination, and the architectural details of Monticello indicates the die underwent at least four hubbing events with measurable displacement between each impression. Obverse die markers include a short die gouge extending from the upper right of the E in WE. Reverse markers include a die gouge between the I and V of FIVE and a diagonal die scratch just southeast of the right small window. The 1956 WDDR-001 stands as a benchmark variety that demonstrates how multi-squeeze hubbing errors of this era could produce spectacular results when the hub shifted position across multiple impressions during the die-making process.