1962 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-015

Description

Confirmed as a proof variety by John A. Wexler himself, this fifteenth doubled die obverse for the 1962 Jefferson Nickel is classified as Class II Distorted Hub Doubling, with the doubling concentrated on IN GOD WE TRUST. Class II doubling results from a slight rotational shift of the hub during die preparation, producing a curved spread pattern where the secondary image diverges from the primary along an arc. The die markers identified by Wexler include a squiggly die gouge to the left of Jefferson's earlobe and a slanted die gouge above the Y of LIBERTY on the obverse, while no notable markers appear on the reverse. These distinctive markers — particularly the squiggly gouge near the earlobe — provide immediate attribution confirmation even before the doubling itself is located. The full cross-reference is Wexler Variety ID 1962 WDDO-015 Proof, explicitly confirming the proof strike origin. The 1962 proof Jefferson Nickel was produced at the Philadelphia Mint with a proof set mintage of 3,218,019 — a substantial production figure that placed many proof coins into collector hands but still represents a finite population compared to business strikes. Proof dies receive the same hub impression process as business strike dies, and the same misalignment issues that create doubled dies on circulation coins also occur on proof dies. However, the superior surface quality of proof coins — with their mirror fields and frosted design elements — makes even subtle Class II doubling more visible and photographable, enhancing the diagnostic value of WDDO-015 for attribution purposes.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1962 WDDO-015 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References