1968-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-015

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler and cataloged as 1968-S WDDO-015 Proof, this Jefferson Nickel doubled die obverse is classified as Class I, Rotated Hub Doubling. A strong counterclockwise spread is visible on LIBERTY, the star, the date, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the designer's initials. The spread pattern is noted as very similar to 1968-S Pr WDDO-005 and 1968-S Pr WDDO-011, suggesting these three varieties may share related hub or die lineage. The 1968-S Proof Jefferson Nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint in cupronickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) at 5.00 grams and 21.2 mm diameter. The year 1968 marked the first year proof coins were produced at San Francisco rather than Philadelphia, following the establishment of the San Francisco Assay Office as a branch mint. Obverse die markers include a horizontal die scratch between the T and Y of LIBERTY near the rim. On the reverse, two horizontal die gouges appear near the rim above the first U of PLURIBUS. Class I rotated hub doubling produces a consistent rotational spread across all affected design elements, and the strong CCW direction on this variety makes it one of the more visually dramatic proof nickel doubled dies from the late 1960s San Francisco production.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S WDDO-015 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References