1961 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005

Description

A prized combination variety, the 1961 Proof Jefferson Nickel WDDO-005 pairs Class II distorted hub doubling on the obverse with a separately cataloged doubled die obverse — the reverse is listed as 1961 Pr 5c WDDR-021 — making specimens that retain both dies especially desirable. On the obverse, close Class II doubling manifests on IN GOD and the date, where the distorted hub mechanism produces subtle but detectable secondary contours. Combination varieties — coins struck from dies that each independently exhibit hub doubling — are scarcer than single-side doubled dies because they require both an affected obverse and reverse die to be paired together during production, a relatively unlikely coincidence. A die marker on the obverse confirms attribution: a short die scratch on the rim above OD of GOD. As a proof issue, this coin was struck on polished planchets at the Philadelphia Mint, producing mirror fields and frosted design elements. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.0 grams. Collectors seeking the full combination variety should verify both the obverse doubling on IN GOD and the date, and the reverse doubling cataloged under WDDR-021, as either die could have been paired with a non-doubled counterpart in other marriages.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Short die scratch on rim above OD of GOD.
• Reverse: Listed as 1961 Pr 5c WDDR-021.

External References