1964 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-031

Description

Originally cataloged as WDDO-037, this proof 1964 Jefferson Nickel doubled die obverse now holds the WDDO-031 designation after the original listing was delisted for being too minor. Class II distorted hub doubling — caused by a slight tilt or distortion of the hub during die manufacture — shows on IN GOD WE TRUST, where the spread is visible under moderate magnification. The reverse of this same die pair is cataloged as 1964 Pr 5c WDDR-110, giving collectors a documented dual variety. Diagnostic obverse die markers include a long die gouge on the rear portion of the top of Jefferson's head and a die scratch on the rim above the 19 of the date. These markers help confirm identification against other 1964 proof DDOs, of which dozens have been documented. Struck as a proof on Felix Schlag's classic design, the 1964 date represents the final year before the copper-nickel composition change, making proof varieties from this year especially popular among series specialists. The renumbering from WDDO-037 to WDDO-031 reflects the Wexler catalog's practice of consolidating entries as weaker varieties are removed from the registry.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Long die gouge on rear portion of top of Jefferson's head; die scratch on rim above 19 of date.
• Reverse: Listed as 1964 Pr 5c WDDR-110.

External References