1958 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

As the primary doubled die obverse for the 1958 Proof Jefferson Nickel, the WDDO-001 displays very close Class II distorted hub doubling on IN GOD — a subtle variety where the hub flexed during the die-making process, creating a tight secondary impression on these two words of the motto. Class II doubling produces distortion rather than clean separation, making it among the more challenging doubled die types to detect and distinguish from strike artifacts. Diagnostic die markers are particularly helpful for confirming this variety: the obverse carries a die dot on the first T of TRUST, while the reverse shows two distinct die scratches — one to the upper left of the left arch of Monticello and another to the upper left of the small right semicircular window. These architectural features on Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse provide precise reference points for die marker identification. The 1958 Proof Jefferson Nickel comes from the last year before the proof set hiatus of 1965-1967, and as WDDO-001 — the top-ranked doubled die obverse for the date — it carries primary significance for proof Jefferson Nickel variety collectors who focus on the pre-SMS era.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die dot on first T of TRUST.
• Reverse: Die scratch to upper left of left arch; die scratch to upper left of small right semicircular window.

External References