1967 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Struck as part of the Special Mint Set program that replaced proof sets from 1965 to 1967, the 1967 Jefferson Nickel WDDO-003 is a dual variety carrying both doubled die obverse and doubled die reverse designations — the reverse is separately cataloged as WDDR-008. The obverse displays Class II distorted hub doubling across multiple design elements: IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the date, the star, and Felix Schlag's designer initials FS all show evidence of the secondary hub impression. Class II doubling results from distortion of the hub during the impression process, producing subtle design element shifts that differ from the clean separation of pivoted hub varieties. A short vertical die gouge inside the G of GOD serves as the primary obverse die marker. The 1967 SMS Jefferson Nickel occupies a unique position in U.S. numismatics — produced during the coin shortage era when the Treasury suspended proof set production and withheld mint marks from circulation coinage to discourage hoarding. Special Mint Set coins received enhanced striking quality above business strikes but below proof standards, creating a hybrid presentation where doubled die characteristics are more visible than on circulation coins. The dual DDO/DDR status makes this variety doubly significant for collectors who can examine both sides for hub doubling from a single purchase.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Short vertical die gouge inside G of GOD.
• Reverse: Listed as 1967 5c WDDR-008.

External References