1967 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Representing the first reverse doubled die documented for the 1967 Jefferson nickel, WDDR-001 exhibits close Class II (Distorted Hub) doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM. Class II doubling results from distortion in the working hub itself rather than a misalignment between hub and die during the impression process, producing a characteristic pattern where the spread varies in magnitude across the die surface depending on the hub's deformation geometry. Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse, which has graced the Jefferson nickel since the series debut in 1938, places the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM across the upper field where its fine serif lettering provides excellent surfaces for detecting even subtle hub doubling. The 1967 production year falls within the 1965-1967 Special Mint Set era when the United States Mint removed mintmarks from all coinage in an effort to discourage hoarding during the nationwide coin shortage. Without mintmarks, all 1967 nickels were struck at Philadelphia and Denver without facility identification, and no proof coins were produced — only Special Mint Set specimens received enhanced striking. Obverse die markers include a die scratch near the rim between the N of IN and the G of GOD, while the reverse carries a die gouge to the left of the first T in STATES. These die-specific diagnostics provide critical secondary confirmation beyond the doubling itself, allowing attributors to verify they are examining the correct die pair. Collectors should use 15-20x magnification focused on the letters of E PLURIBUS UNUM, looking for thickened or slightly displaced secondary impressions characteristic of the close spread classification.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die scratch near rim between N of IN and G of GOD.
• Reverse: Die gouge to left of first T of STATES.

External References