1963 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-017

Description

Classified as Class II Distorted Hub Doubling, this 1963 Jefferson Nickel WDDR-017 exhibits a spread toward the center on E PLURIBUS UNUM — a convergent doubling pattern where the secondary hub impression shifted inward relative to the primary, pushing the doubled image of each affected letter toward the coin's center. A closer, tighter spread also shows on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with all spreads decreasing slightly from left to right across both inscription groups, indicating the pivot point of the distortion lies toward the right side of the die. Obverse die markers include a vertical die gouge between the N of IN and the G of GOD and a vertical die gouge near the rim at approximately the 11 o'clock position — two discrete marks that fingerprint this specific obverse working die. Reverse markers include a die dot above the second A of AMERICA just below the Monticello building and a small die dot in the field above the right side of the building. The center-directed spread is diagnostically important because it produces doubling that appears on the inner side of each letter's primary image, requiring careful examination under magnification to distinguish from die deterioration effects that can also thicken letter forms. Felix Schlag designed the Jefferson Nickel with a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home Monticello on the reverse, a design pairing in use from 1938 through 2003. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1963 in copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) weighing 5.00 grams with a diameter of 21.21 mm, the 1963 Jefferson Nickel was produced in large quantities to meet circulating coinage demand during the early 1960s. The gradually diminishing left-to-right spread pattern across both inscription groups provides a systematic attribution pathway for collectors working through the reverse inscriptions.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Vertical die gouge between N of IN and G of GOD; vertical die gouge near rim at about 11:00 o'clock.
• Reverse: Die dot above second A of AMERICA, just below building; small die dot in field above right side of building.

External References