1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-010

Description

Attributed by Frank Baumann and cross-referenced as both CONECA 19-R-II and Wexler 1956 WDDR-010, this Jefferson Nickel reverse die carries Class II, Distorted Hub Doubling — the most commonly encountered doubling class, produced when the working hub distorts slightly under the enormous pressure of the hubbing press, creating a secondary impression that is not simply shifted but geometrically warped relative to the primary design. The close Class II spread manifests on E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and CENTS, covering essentially all reverse inscriptions. Obverse die markers include a die scratch running from the E of WE to the T of TRUST, while the reverse shows a slanted die scratch above FIV of FIVE and another slanted die scratch above the second L of MONTICELLO. The dual cross-referencing under both CONECA (Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America) and Wexler cataloging systems provides collectors with two independent attribution pathways — a valuable redundancy given that some reference works are more accessible in certain regions or to certain collector communities. Within the Jefferson Nickels Original Design series (1938-2003), the 1956 Philadelphia issue was produced in a mintage of approximately 35.2 million pieces, a relatively moderate figure that makes varieties from this date somewhat less frequently encountered in circulation searching. The close spread intensity indicates the distortion was modest, requiring careful examination under magnification to confirm the secondary image on each affected inscription.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Frank Baumann
• CONECA 19-R-II; Wexler Variety ID: 1956 WDDR-010
• Expert attribution by Frank Baumann

External References