1963 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-138

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar, this 1963 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel doubled die reverse is cataloged as Wexler 1963 WDDR-138 and exhibits close Class II doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM. This variety was formerly listed as WDDR-179 and replaces the original WDDR-138, which was delisted as too minor to warrant a separate entry. Such renumbering reflects the ongoing refinement of die variety catalogs, where entries are periodically reviewed and reassigned to maintain coherent numbering. On the reverse, a die dot above the M of UNUM and a die scratch on the rim above LU of PLURIBUS serve as secondary die markers. Close Class II doubling results from slight rotation of the hub relative to the die between impressions during manufacture, producing a tight spread that requires careful magnification to identify. The 1963 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel was struck in standard copper-nickel composition during the final years before the great coin shortage of the mid-1960s disrupted normal Mint operations. One hundred thirty-eight documented doubled die reverses for the 1963 date reflects the extraordinary depth of Jefferson Nickel variety research by Ribar and fellow attributors.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1963 WDDR-138
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References