1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-022

Description

John A. Wexler himself attributed WDDR-022, a Class II Distorted Hub Doubling variety on the 1956 Philadelphia Jefferson Nickel showing close spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and STATES OF AMERICA. The distorted hub mechanism creates an irregular spread pattern that varies across the design, distinguishing Class II from the more geometrically predictable patterns of pivoted or offset hub doubling. Obverse die markers are distinctive: a long die scratch extending from the E of WE to Jefferson's nose, combined with many die scratches on the collar area — an unusually extensive set of secondary diagnostics. Reverse markers include a short die gouge below VE of FIVE and a slanted die scratch from the right porch of Monticello. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1956 WDDR-022, this variety benefits from direct attribution by the researcher whose name defines the classification system itself. Philadelphia struck 35,216,000 Jefferson Nickels in 1956, and twenty-two cataloged DDRs for this date reflects the systematic attention that mid-century nickel dates have received from variety researchers. The long die scratch from E to Jefferson's nose provides a particularly efficient screening tool — collectors can check for this prominent obverse marker before investing time in confirming the reverse doubling characteristics.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1956 WDDR-022
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References