1964 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Originally assigned a higher listing number (WDDO-059), this 1964 proof Jefferson Nickel variety was promoted to WDDO-004 after the original holder of that designation was delisted for being too minor — an unusual catalog reshuffling that reflects the evolving standards of the Wexler attribution system. Close Class II distorted hub doubling shows on IN GOD WE TRUST, with the "close" qualifier indicating the spread is narrow but clearly present. Obverse die markers include a short die gouge between the D of GOD and the W of WE, while the reverse is separately listed as 1964 Pr 5c WDDR-009, making this another "combo" variety with doubled die effects on both sides of the coin. The 1964 Jefferson Nickel was produced in extraordinary quantities — Philadelphia struck over one billion nickels and Denver contributed nearly 1.79 billion — as the U.S. Mint attempted to combat the nationwide coin shortage driven by silver hoarding and the expanding vending machine industry. Proof versions were struck at the Philadelphia Mint (San Francisco would not resume proof production until 1968), with a proof mintage of approximately 3.95 million pieces for the year. The 1964 date was the last year of regular proof production before the three-year hiatus (1965-1967) during which Special Mint Sets replaced proof sets. WDDO-004's promotion from the 059 slot gives it greater visibility in the catalog hierarchy, and its combo status with WDDR-009 makes it a priority target for proof Jefferson Nickel variety collectors.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Short die gouge between D of GOD and W of WE.
• Reverse: Listed as 1964 Pr 5c WDDR-009.

External References