1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-022

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cataloged as 1962 WDDO-022 in the Wexler files, this Jefferson Nickel exhibits Class II + V (Distorted and Pivoted Hub Doubling) creating a dual-component displacement pattern across the obverse. A nice spread toward the center shows on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the star, and the date, while the spread on IN GOD WE TRUST additionally carries a nice counterclockwise rotation from a pivot near the rim at approximately the 3 o'clock position — meaning the motto displays both a center-directed distortion spread and a CCW rotational component simultaneously, producing a complex combined displacement that varies in both direction and magnitude across the letters. Obverse die markers include a pair of diagonal die scratches connecting the upper left of the E in WE to the upper right of the T in TRUST — a distinctive paired-scratch configuration that creates an easily identifiable marker linking two adjacent letters. The dual Class II + V mechanism produces a doubling pattern where the distortion component pushes design elements inward while the pivot component rotates them counterclockwise, and the interaction of these two vectors creates varying displacement directions at different positions around the obverse. The 1962 Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) weighing 5.0 grams with a diameter of 21.21 mm. Felix Schlag designed the Jefferson portrait that carries this variety's diagnostic features. The pivot point location near the rim at 3 o'clock means elements on the opposite side of the obverse — such as the star and date area — experience the greatest rotational displacement, explaining why these features show the most prominent doubling effects.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1962 WDDO-022
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References