1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-034

Description

Thirty-fourth in the reverse doubled die census for the 1956 Jefferson nickel, WDDR-034 exhibits close Class II Distorted Hub Doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM and OF AMERICA — two prominent inscription groups on Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse. The attribution by Brian A. Ribar, a recognized Jefferson nickel variety specialist, adds credibility to this close-spread variety where the subtle doubling requires experienced evaluation to confirm. Class II doubling results from rotational displacement between hub impressions, producing variable displacement magnitudes across different areas of the die based on their distance from the pivot point. A notable dual-attribution element accompanies this variety: the obverse die is listed as 1956 5c WDDO-010, meaning both the obverse and reverse dies in this marriage carry independent doubled die designations — a coincidence that elevates the die pair's significance for variety collectors. Reverse die markers include a slanted die scratch above the left porch of Monticello, providing a diagnostic independent of the doubling for die confirmation. Philadelphia struck approximately 35.22 million nickels in 1956, a moderate production volume that generated sufficient die pairs to populate a DDR census reaching at least 34 entries. The close spread designation indicates the secondary hub impression landed very near the primary, producing thickened letter strokes rather than dramatically separated doubled images. The WDDR-034 number itself — deep in the sequential catalog — reflects the extraordinary density of variety documentation for 1950s Jefferson nickels, where dedicated specialists like Ribar have systematically examined and attributed subtle hub doubling events across the entire production spectrum. Collectors should verify the slanted die scratch above the left porch on the reverse before examining E PLURIBUS UNUM and OF AMERICA under 15-20x magnification for the close rotational displacement.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1956 WDDR-034
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References