1957 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-020

Description

Discovered by Brian A. Ribar on a proof strike, this 1957 Jefferson Nickel doubled die reverse showcases Class II distorted hub doubling visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM and AMERICA. The proof surface acts as a magnifying lens for the doubling — mirror-like fields provide higher contrast against the frosted raised design, making even close Class II spreads easier to detect than they would be on a business strike. Die markers concentrate on the Monticello facade: a die gouge and scratch appear to the left of the large semicircular window, a die scratch sits inside the small left window, and additional die scratches appear inside and to the right of the long right window. These architectural markers on Thomas Jefferson's estate create a fingerprint unique to this die. Cataloged under Wexler Variety ID 1957 WDDR-020, the variety belongs to the proof Jefferson Nickel series struck at Philadelphia, which produced all U.S. proof coins during this era. Twenty documented doubled die reverses for the 1957 proof nickel reflects the intensive scrutiny that proof coins receive from variety specialists, who benefit from the superior surface quality when searching for subtle hubbing anomalies.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1957 WDDR-020 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References