1964 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006

Description

Combining two distinct doubling classes on a single die, the 1964 Jefferson Nickel WDDR-006 displays Class II (distorted hub) and Class V (pivoted hub) doubling simultaneously on E PLURIBUS UNUM, with a much closer spread on OF AMERICA. The dual-class designation indicates that the hub misalignment during die preparation involved both a tilting distortion (Class II) and a rotational pivot (Class V), producing compound doubling where the spread characteristics vary across different areas of the reverse in ways that cannot be explained by a single displacement mechanism. The wider spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and tighter spread on OF AMERICA is consistent with this compound motion, where the combined tilt and rotation amplified displacement in some zones while partially canceling it in others. Reverse die markers confirm this specific working die: a die gouge below the right side of the crossbar of the first A of AMERICA, and a die gouge below UN of UNUM. The obverse carries no noted markers. The 1964 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel was produced during the peak of the 1960s coin shortage, when the Mint eliminated mint marks and date-freezing began — Philadelphia struck over 1.02 billion nickels that year alone. Six doubled die reverses for the 1964-P nickel reflects the statistical frequency of hubbing errors across massive die production. The combination of Class II and Class V on a single die is relatively uncommon and makes WDDR-006 a particularly interesting specimen for die variety specialists who study the mechanics of hub-to-die interaction during the multiple hubbing impressions required to create each working die.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Die gouge below right side of crossbar of first A of AMERICA; die gouge below UN of UNUM.

External References