1966 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Classified as a Class II Distorted Hub Doubling variety and recognized among the "Best Of" Nickel Doubled Die Varieties, WDDR-001 on the 1966 Jefferson Nickel shows very strong Class II doubling on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA with doubling intensity increasing from left to right. Excellent doubling is also visible on the right side of the Monticello building and on UNUM of E PLURIBUS UNUM. Obverse die markers include no significant features noted, while reverse die markers document die scratches above VE of FIVE, a die gouge between U and N of UNITED, and a die gouge between the second T and E of STATES. Class II Distorted Hub Doubling occurs when a hub with slightly different proportions or positioning than the original is used for a secondary impression on the working die, creating a form of doubling that differs mechanically from the rotational or lateral displacement of Class I varieties. The progressive left-to-right intensification on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA suggests the distortion was more pronounced on the right side of the hub, producing maximum displacement on the rightmost letters. The 1966 Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint (without mintmark, as was practice until 1980) in copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel), weighing 5.000 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter. The 1965-1967 period represents a transitional era when proof coin production was suspended in favor of Special Mint Sets, making business strike varieties from these years particularly notable for collectors.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Die scratches above VE of FIVE; die gouge between U and N of UNITED; die gouge between second T and E of STATES.

External References