1956 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-036

Description

Cross-referenced as CONECA 17-R-II-3 and cataloged by Brian A. Ribar under Wexler Variety ID 1956 WDDR-036 Proof, this Jefferson Nickel proof reverse die delivers one of the more visually compelling Class II patterns in the 1956 proof DDR census: a very nice tripled spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM paired with a closer doubled spread on OF AMERICA. Tripling on the motto — three distinct impressions of the letters rather than the typical two — indicates this die received at least three hub impressions with detectable offsets between each pair, producing a layered effect where three outlines of each letter in E PLURIBUS UNUM are resolvable under magnification. The transition from tripling on the motto to standard doubling on OF AMERICA suggests the third hub impression's displacement fell below the detection threshold at the AMERICA position, reducing the visible effect from three impressions to two. The CONECA designation 17-R-II-3 provides an independent classification: the 17th variety, reverse, Class II, with a severity or sequence number of 3. No obverse die markers have been noted. Two reverse markers establish the die identity: die gouges on the upper left side of the first U of PLURIBUS and a wavy die gouge inside the lower portion of the right arch of Monticello. The wavy morphology of the arch gouge — an irregular, undulating line rather than a straight scratch — suggests the gouge resulted from a non-linear contact event during die handling or preparation. As a proof coin struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 75% copper / 25% nickel at 5 grams, the mirrored surfaces amplify the tripled motto effect, making E PLURIBUS UNUM the primary examination target under 7x magnification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• CONECA 17-R-II-3; Wexler Variety ID: 1956 WDDR-036 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References