1964-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

Assigned the third Wexler doubled die reverse designation for the 1964-D Jefferson nickel, WDDR-003 exhibits Class II distorted hub doubling — a mechanism where the working hub tilts or shifts during the die-sinking process, producing doubling that varies in strength across the die face. On this variety, the doubling manifests as noticeably thickened letters on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, with the effect decreasing progressively from left to right across the inscription. Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse, selected through a design competition in 1938, places the building facade and its surrounding inscriptions in positions where hub displacement readily becomes visible. Denver struck approximately 1.79 billion Jefferson nickels in 1964, a staggering output driven by the coin shortage that plagued the nation during the early-to-mid 1960s and ultimately prompted the elimination of silver from dimes and quarters the following year. The specimen examined for this attribution was described as well-circulated, demonstrating that the Class II doubling remains identifiable even after significant wear has softened the design details. Reverse die markers include die scratches positioned above the left side of the Monticello building, providing a secondary diagnostic for confirming the specific working die independent of the doubling itself, while no obverse markers were noted. The decreasing doubling intensity from left to right is characteristic of Class II distorted hub doubling, where the pivot point of the tilt determines which portions of the die receive maximum displacement and which areas experience minimal or no doubling. Collectors should examine the U and N of UNITED under 10-15x magnification where the doubling is strongest, then trace the diminishing effect rightward across the inscription.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Die scratches above left side of building.

External References