1962 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-016

Description

Attributed by expert Brian A. Ribar and cataloged as 1962 WDDR-016 in the Wexler Doubled Die Files, this Jefferson Nickel presents a Class II Distorted Hub Doubling pattern with a very strong spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and a closer but still clearly visible spread on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the doubling on the second inscription decreasing from left to right. The catalog history is notable: this variety was formerly listed as WDDR-156 and was reassigned to replace the original WDDR-016 listing, which had been delisted because it was judged too minor to warrant continued inclusion — a curatorial decision reflecting the Wexler system's quality threshold, where varieties must exhibit sufficient doubling strength to merit formal cataloging. The strong spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM makes this a visually impactful variety despite the closer spread on the secondary inscription. Obverse die markers include heavy die gouges above the L of LIBERTY, a prominent identification feature. The reverse carries a die scratch inside the second O of MONTICELLO and a slanted die scratch above ATE of STATES. Felix Schlag designed the Jefferson Nickel with his portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse, a design in continuous use from 1938 through 2003. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1962 in copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) weighing 5.00 grams with a 21.21 mm diameter, this coin was produced during the period of heavy proof and business-strike production in the early 1960s. Brian A. Ribar's attribution work on this relisted variety ensures that significant doubled die Jefferson Nickels maintain proper documentation within the Wexler catalog system, preserving their accessibility to collectors.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1962 WDDR-016
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References