1957 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-015

Description

Struck as a Proof issue at the Philadelphia Mint, WDDO-015 of the 1957 Jefferson Nickel exhibits very close Class II (Distorted Hub) doubling on LIBERTY, the star, and the date, with the effect seen best on the star — the five-pointed element above the date providing a compact area where even subtle hub displacement registers clearly against the mirrored Proof surface. Class II doubling results from distortion of the working hub between impressions, producing a spread pattern that typically varies in direction and magnitude across different areas of the die. A diagnostic obverse die marker accompanies this variety: a slanted die scratch on the upper back portion of Jefferson's collar, providing reliable attribution independent of the doubling itself. Attributed by Brian A. Ribar, WDDO-015 is cross-referenced in the Wexler system as 1957 WDDO-015 Proof. Proof coins from the 1950s were produced with polished dies and specially prepared planchets, creating mirror-like fields that can make very close doubling more visible than it would appear on a business-strike surface, as the reflective background contrasts sharply with any secondary displaced image.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1957 WDDO-015 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References