1961 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009

Description

Spread toward the rim from Class II distorted hub doubling distinguishes WDDO-009 of the 1961 Proof Jefferson Nickel, affecting LIBERTY, the star, and the date. A rimward spread direction indicates the hub distortion expanded outward during die-sinking, pushing design elements slightly away from center on the secondary impression. The combined effect across three design zones provides multiple attribution areas. Obverse die markers include a weak diagonal die scratch at the back of Jefferson's forehead just under his hairline. The reverse is independently cataloged as 1961 Pr 5c WDDR-045, making this a dual-variety die pairing where both obverse and reverse carry their own doubled die designations. Dual-variety dies are particularly appealing because a single coin satisfies two catalog entries simultaneously. Proof production at Philadelphia during the early 1960s grew steadily with collector demand. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, this 1961 proof Jefferson Nickel preserves Class II doubling paired with an independently cataloged DDR, creating a noteworthy dual-variety proof coin.

Die Markers

• Obverse: A weak diagonal die scratch at the back of Jefferson's forehead just under his hairline.
• Reverse: Listed as 1961 Pr 5c WDDR-045.

External References