1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-026

Description

Attributed by Gary G. Wagnon and cataloged under Wexler Variety ID 1956 WDDR-026, this Jefferson Nickel exhibits a dual-class designation: Class II (Distorted Hub) combined with Class VI (Distended Hub) doubling. This combination is mechanically significant — Class II distortion involves the hub deforming during the hubbing process, while Class VI distension involves the hub expanding under pressure — and their co-occurrence on a single die creates a complex doubling pattern where different design elements may exhibit different spread characteristics depending on which mechanism predominates at their position on the die face. The diagnostic presentation shows "nice extra thickness" on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (indicating stronger displacement) and a "slightly closer spread" on E PLURIBUS UNUM (indicating more subtle displacement), consistent with the dual-class mechanism producing variable intensity across the die. Three die markers authenticate this working die: a die scratch from E to R of LIBERTY on the obverse, a die scratch inside the lower portion of the O of OF on the reverse, and a slanted die scratch from the lower left side of the P of PLURIBUS on the reverse. Wagnon's attribution brings specialized expertise to this variety — the dual-class identification requires understanding of both hub distortion and hub distension mechanics and the ability to recognize their combined effects on struck coins. The 1956 Jefferson Nickel was struck in standard 75% copper, 25% nickel at 5.0 grams, with Philadelphia producing the only business-strike issue that year (no mintmark). The visual contrast between the stronger spread on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and the tighter spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM provides a reliable field-diagnostic shortcut for collectors screening candidates.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Gary G. Wagnon
• Wexler Variety ID: 1956 WDDR-026
• Expert attribution by Gary G. Wagnon

External References