1961 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-017

Description

A proof-only variety attributed by John A. Wexler, the 1961 Jefferson Nickel WDDO-017 displays Class II distorted hub doubling on the letters IN GOD WE. This doubling mechanism — where the working hub and working die are slightly misaligned in a way that produces a close, shelf-like spread rather than full separation — creates subtle but diagnostic distortion on the motto text. The obverse die marker is a short die scratch above the right portion of the G in GOD, while no reverse markers have been noted. Proof Jefferson Nickels from 1961 were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a reported mintage of 3,028,244 proof sets, but only a fraction of those coins were struck from this particular die pair. Felix Schlag's original Jefferson portrait, in production since 1938, provides ample detail in the inscriptions where Class II doubling can be detected under magnification, making this a rewarding variety for proof Jefferson Nickel specialists.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1961 WDDO-017 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References