1961 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-017

Description

Documented with specific die markers — obverse featuring a strong vertical die gouge inside the upper half of E in WE, and the reverse showing a heavy die gouge to the upper right of the small window, a strong die gouge (dot) above the second O of MONTICELLO, and a short diagonal die gouge over the left side of M in UNUM — this 1961 Jefferson Nickel WDDR-017 exhibits Class II Distorted Hub Doubling with a constant moderate tripled spread toward the rim on E PLURIBUS UNUM. A very close tripled spread also appears on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FIVE CENTS, MO and LO of MONTICELLO, and both sides of the Monticello building itself. The tripled nature of the spread — where three hub impressions are visible rather than the more common two — indicates this die received at least three hubbing impressions with slight displacement between each, creating a layered effect that produces broader apparent separation than standard doubled dies. The tripling on both the inscriptions and the architectural elements of Monticello's facade creates an unusually comprehensive doubling pattern that affects lettering, numerals, and pictorial design elements simultaneously. Felix Schlag designed the Jefferson Nickel with the Monticello reverse, struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1961 in copper-nickel composition — 75% copper and 25% nickel — weighing 5.00 grams with a diameter of 21.21 mm. The heavy die gouge near the small window on the reverse provides a particularly reliable attribution point because the Monticello building's window structure offers precise geometric reference coordinates against which the gouge's position can be measured and confirmed.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Strong vertical die gouge inside upper half of E of WE.
• Reverse: Heavy die gouge to upper right of small window; strong die gouge (dot) above second O of MONTICELLO; short diagonal die gouge over left side of M of UNUM.

External References