1963 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-020

Description

Cataloged as 1963 WDDR-020 Proof in the Wexler Doubled Die Files and attributed by Lou Coles, this proof Jefferson Nickel exhibits Class II Distorted Hub Doubling — a mechanism where a warping or rotational distortion between successive hub impressions produces a consistent spread pattern across the die face. A strong constant spread is visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM, and strong spread also shows on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA but decreases rapidly from left to right — a characteristic signature of distorted hub doubling where the magnitude of displacement varies spatially across the die depending on each element's position relative to the distortion's center. The left-to-right diminishing pattern on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA indicates the distortion's geometry concentrates maximum displacement on the leftmost inscription elements and progressively less doubling moving rightward. Obverse die markers include a strong vertical die gouge in the hair at the top of Jefferson's head to the left of the L in LIBERTY. Reverse markers include a strong die gouge (dot) at the bottom of the Monticello building north of the left side of the second O of MONTICELLO, and a short die gouge well west of the upper left of the E of E PLURIBUS UNUM. As a proof strike from the Philadelphia Mint, this coin was produced on specially polished planchets using polished dies, yielding mirror-like fields that enhance the visibility of doubling against the reflective surface. The 1963 proof Jefferson Nickel was struck in copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) weighing 5.00 grams with a 21.21 mm diameter. Felix Schlag designed both the Jefferson obverse and Monticello reverse, and the strong constant spread on the E PLURIBUS UNUM motto makes this one of the more visually prominent doubled die reverses for the 1963 proof date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Lou Coles
• Wexler Variety ID: 1963 WDDR-020 Proof
• Expert attribution by Lou Coles

External References