1967 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-010

Description

Class II distorted hub doubling visible on the date, star, LIBERTY, and Felix Schlag's designer initials FS distinguishes this tenth doubled die obverse for the 1967 Jefferson Nickel, which carries the Special Mint Set (SMS) designation. The 1965-1967 period represents a unique chapter in U.S. Mint history — proof coin production was suspended, and Special Mint Sets with enhanced strike quality replaced both proof sets and standard uncirculated sets during the transition from silver to clad coinage. Class II doubling results from distortion in the hub itself, producing a spread that radiates from a pivot point rather than shifting in a uniform direction, affecting multiple design elements simultaneously across the date, star, motto, and initials. Attributed by Brian A. Ribar under Wexler Variety ID 1967 WDDO-010 SMS, the die markers include a die dot on Jefferson's cheek and a series of die dots above his eye on the obverse, providing secondary diagnostics for positive attribution. The reverse of this same die pair is also listed as 1967 5c WDDR-014 SMS, meaning both dies of the pair exhibit doubling — an unusual circumstance indicating systemic issues with the hubbing process for this particular die pair. SMS coins from 1965-1967 feature a distinctive satin-like finish between business strike and proof quality, and doubled die varieties on these special strikes are sought after by collectors.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1967 WDDO-010 SMS
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References