1964-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

The 1964-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001 on the Jefferson Nickel is classified as Class II, Distorted Hub Doubling, showing a very nice spread toward the center on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM, with a closer spread on FIVE CENTS and the right side of the Monticello building. All spreads increase slightly from left to right, a characteristic geometric signature of Class II distorted hub doubling where the hub flexes or warps during the impression process. The 1964-D Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Denver Mint in cupronickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) at 5.00 grams and 21.2 mm diameter, with an enormous mintage of 1,787,297,160 pieces — the highest mintage of any single-year nickel issue, produced as the Mint raced to build coin reserves ahead of the anticipated 1965 composition changes. Felix Schlag designed the original Jefferson portrait and Monticello reverse, which had been in production since 1938. Obverse die markers include a slanted die gouge beneath the L of LIBERTY and two die gouges to the left of the L near the back of Jefferson's head. Reverse die markers show a series of light die scratches above the P and L of PLURIBUS. Despite the massive mintage, the WDDR-001 designation as the first cataloged doubled die reverse for this date-mint confirms its recognition as a significant variety, with the Class II distorted hub classification providing the specific mechanism of its creation.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Slanted die gouge beneath L of LIBERTY; two die gouges to left of L of LIBERTY near back of head.
• Reverse: Series of light die scratches above P and L of PLURIBUS.

External References