1963 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-113

Description

Carrying a notably complex cataloging history, the 1963 WDDR-113 Jefferson nickel attributed by Brian A. Ribar is a Class II (Distorted Hub) doubled die reverse. Originally designated WDDR-204, it now replaces the original WDDR-113, which was delisted because the doubling was determined to be too minor. The replacement variety exhibits nice Class II doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM with closer doubling on UNITED STATES, offering a visually accessible doubled die effect. This is a business strike issue from the Philadelphia Mint, composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter. The obverse die marker is a die gouge above Jefferson's nostril, while the reverse shows a slanted die scratch between the lower portions of T and E of UNITED. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1963 WDDR-113, this variety is cataloged without the "Proof" suffix, distinguishing it from the proof-only varieties commonly found in this date range. The 1963 Jefferson nickel had a Philadelphia mintage exceeding 178 million pieces, providing substantial opportunity for die varieties to enter circulation. The Class II distorted hub doubling mechanism creates a characteristic spread pattern where design elements are displaced toward the center of the die, explaining why the peripheral legend E PLURIBUS UNUM shows the doubling most prominently. This variety belongs to the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1963 WDDR-113
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References