1961 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-031

Description

Attributed by Frank Baumann with Wexler Variety ID 1961 WDDR-031 and cross-referenced as CONECA 20-R-II, this Class II (Distorted Hub) doubled die reverse appears on the 1961 Jefferson nickel from the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series. The doubling shows a nice spread toward the center on E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and FIVE CENTS, with the spread decreasing from left to right across all three inscriptions, a pattern consistent with the Distorted Hub mechanism where one side of the hub is displaced more than the other. Obverse die markers include a die gouge through the D of GOD and a series of die scratches between the back of Jefferson's head and the letters LIB of LIBERTY. The reverse carries a short diagonal die gouge from the left roof line just left of Monticello's dome and a die gouge running WSW from the left side of the dome. The 1961 Jefferson nickel was struck in the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel composition, weighing 5.0 grams at 21.2 mm diameter. Felix Schlag's design, with Monticello's architectural details on the reverse, provides extensive fine design elements where hub doubling manifests clearly. The CONECA cross-reference as 20-R-II indicates this variety has been independently verified and cataloged by the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America, providing additional authentication confidence for collectors.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Frank Baumann
• CONECA: 20-R-II; Wexler Variety ID: 1961 WDDR-031
• Expert attribution by Frank Baumann

External References