1968-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler under Wexler Variety ID 1968-S WDDO-004 Proof, this proof-only Jefferson Nickel exhibits Class I clockwise rotated hub doubling with a strong CW spread visible on LIBERTY, the star, the date, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the designer's initials. The spread is slightly weaker than that found on 1968-S Proof WDDO-002, though the two varieties show obvious differences on the designer's initials — making the initials a key diagnostic point for distinguishing between them. Class I rotated hub doubling produces a uniform directional spread across all design elements, and the clockwise rotation on WDDO-004 complements the counterclockwise varieties found on other 1968-S dies. The 1968-S proof is significant as the first year San Francisco resumed proof coinage production after the 1965-1967 hiatus during which only Special Mint Sets were issued. Struck in the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel composition, these proof nickels were produced with polished dies on polished planchets. The documentation of multiple doubled die obverse varieties for 1968-S proofs reflects the intense collector scrutiny applied to this transitional-era proof coinage. Die Markers: Obverse: Short, nearly vertical die gouge to left of center of I of IN; short vertical die gouge from rim just right of where bottom of base intersects rim. Reverse: Short die gouge just right of bottom of T of UNITED.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S WDDO-004 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References