1963 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-072

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler himself, carrying the designation 1963 WDDR-072, this Class II doubled die reverse was struck on a 1963 proof Jefferson nickel at the Philadelphia Mint. The Jefferson nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter and a plain edge, and Philadelphia produced 3,075,645 proof sets in 1963. The Class II (distorted hub) doubling on WDDR-072 produces a strong spread toward the center on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with closer doubling visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM. All doubling spreads decrease slightly from left to right across the inscriptions, a directional diminishing pattern characteristic of distorted hub mechanisms where the deformation is not uniform across the die face. This variety is also associated with a doubled die obverse listed as 1963 5¢ WDDO-012, meaning the obverse die paired with this reverse also carries its own distinct hub doubling, creating a dual-sided doubled die combination highly prized by Jefferson nickel variety collectors. Reverse die markers include a die gouge resembling a dot positioned to the right of the center of the E of MONTICELLO and a large die gouge dot to the left of the center of the right arch of the Monticello building. Both of these reverse markers have been confirmed visible on Stages A and B of the die's working life, indicating they were present from relatively early in the die's production run. The connection to WDDO-012 on the obverse adds substantial collector interest, as paired doubled die obverse and reverse varieties on a single die combination are relatively uncommon. Among John A. Wexler's extensive personal attributions, the 1963 proof Jefferson nickel series represents one of the most densely cataloged groups, reflecting both the large proof mintage and the multi-squeeze hubbing technology that made these varieties particularly prevalent in early 1960s proof die production.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1963 WDDR-072
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References