1968-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007

Description

Cataloged by John A. Wexler himself and designated as a “Best Of” Nickel Doubled Die Variety, the 1968-S Jefferson Nickel WDDO-007 Proof displays a very strong Class I clockwise (CW) rotated hub spread on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the star, the date, and the designer’s initials FS, with the doubling wider at the bottom of the lettering than at the top. This widening pattern at the base of the letters is a diagnostic signature of Class I rotational doubling, where the secondary hub impression pivoted clockwise relative to the primary, producing maximum displacement at points furthest from the rotation center. The “Best Of” designation recognizes this as one of the most visually impressive doubled die varieties in the entire Jefferson Nickel series. Obverse die markers include a vertical die gouge near the rim below the front portion of Jefferson’s collar. Reverse markers are substantial: a strong die gouge between the upper portions of the first and second columns of Monticello, a die gouge above the second column, and a die gouge to the right of the long left window. As a proof strike from the San Francisco Mint (the S mintmark confirming San Francisco proof production beginning in 1968), this coin was produced on polished planchets with polished dies. The 1968-S Jefferson Nickel was struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5.00 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter. Felix Schlag’s design was in its thirty-first year. The 1968 date marks the first year proof production moved from Philadelphia to the San Francisco Mint. John A. Wexler’s personal documentation and “Best Of” designation from the creator of the Wexler doubled die reference system carries exceptional authority in the variety collecting community.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S WDDO-007 Proof "Best Of" Nickel Doubled Die Varieties
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References