1960 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-023

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and carrying the Wexler Variety ID 1960 WDDO-023 Proof, this Class II doubled die obverse was struck on a 1960 proof Jefferson nickel. The Jefferson nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter, and Philadelphia produced 1,691,602 proof sets in 1960. The cataloging history of this variety illustrates the evolving nature of die variety research: the original WDDO-023 listing was delisted when it proved to be identical to WDDO-022, and the current WDDO-023 designation was reassigned to what was formerly listed as WDDO-027. Such renumbering is a routine aspect of doubled die cataloging as new information refines the understanding of individual die varieties. The Class II (distorted hub) doubling on the current WDDO-023 shows close but clearly visible separation on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the five-pointed star, and the date. The doubling affects all major obverse inscription elements, making this a comprehensive DDO where multiple diagnostic points can be used for confirmation. Obverse die markers include a die dot on the lower left leg of the R in LIBERTY and another die dot on Jefferson's forehead, providing small but definitive attribution points unique to this particular die. On the reverse, die scratches between the long and small left windows of Monticello confirm the die pairing. Cross-referenced as CONECA 11-O-II-C, the high CONECA number (11) indicates this is the eleventh Class II obverse variety cataloged for the 1960 proof date under the CONECA system. The 1960 proof Jefferson nickel is one of the most prolific dates for doubled die obverse discoveries, with more than two dozen cataloged varieties reflecting both the substantial proof production of the year and the intensive die study that proof Jefferson nickels have received from variety specialists.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• CONECA 11-O-II-C; Wexler Variety ID: 1960 WDDO-023 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References