1961 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Identified by John A. Wexler and documented under Wexler Variety ID 1961 WDDO-003 Proof, this proof Jefferson Nickel doubled die obverse presents Class II, Distorted Hub Doubling. Close Class II doubling shows on LIBERTY and the star, where the hub's slight misalignment during a subsequent impression distorted these design elements against their initial placement on the die face. The obverse carries a short, vertical die gouge above the star as a diagnostic marker, while the reverse exhibits a die dot above the left arch and a die gouge to the lower left of the S of CENTS — features that allow positive attribution even when the doubling itself is subtle. Class II doubling is characterized by design distortion radiating outward from a tilt axis, producing spread that increases with distance from the pivot point, and the effect on LIBERTY and the star confirms these elements lay far enough from the axis to register visible displacement. Proof coins from 1961 were produced exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, and proof die varieties carry inherently small populations because proof dies are replaced after producing far fewer coins than their business-strike counterparts.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1961 WDDO-003 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References