1963 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-016

Description

Formerly listed as WDDO-033, the 1963 WDDO-016 Jefferson nickel is a Class II (Distorted Hub) doubled die obverse that replaces the original WDDO-016 listing, which was delisted because the doubling was too minor. The current variety shows nice Class II doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST, a diagnostic that is readily visible under 7x to 10x magnification. Obverse die markers include a short die gouge on the lower front portion of Jefferson's collar and a long die scratch in his hair to the right of his temple. The reverse die is separately listed as 1963 Pr 5c WDDR-061B, confirming this is a proof-only variety struck at the Philadelphia Mint for proof set distribution. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter. The proof finish provides mirror-like fields and frosted design elements that can make the doubling effect more apparent when the coin is tilted under a light source. The 1963 proof sets contained five coins and were produced in quantities of approximately 3.07 million, but only a fraction of the nickel population would have been struck from this particular doubled die. The Class II hub distortion mechanism means the hub flexed during impression, creating displacement that radiates from a central point of the distortion. This variety is part of the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series, designed by Felix Schlag.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Short die gouge on lower front portion of Jefferson's collar; long die scratch in his hair to right of his temple.
• Reverse: Listed as 1963 Pr 5c WDDR-061B.

External References