1968-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-019

Description

Attributed by Timothy Wissert and cataloged as Wexler Variety ID 1968-S WDDO-019 Proof, this Jefferson Nickel variety displays Class I (Rotated Hub Doubling) with a very nice clockwise spread visible across multiple obverse design elements: LIBERTY, the star, the date, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the designer's initials. The breadth of the doubling — spanning five distinct design zones from the upper left (LIBERTY) through the center (star, date) to the lower right (IN GOD WE TRUST, initials) — indicates a significant rotational displacement during hubbing that affected the entire obverse die face. Class I CW rotation creates a consistent clockwise shift across all elements, with the spread direction predictable based on each element's position relative to the rotation axis. Obverse die markers include a slanted die gouge between the I of IN and the front of Jefferson's bust, and a die gouge to the upper left of the U of TRUST. The reverse is documented as a companion doubled die listed as 1968-S Pr 5c WDDR-012, creating another dual-variety die marriage. The 1968-S proof Jefferson Nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint in copper-nickel alloy (75% Cu, 25% Ni) at 5.0 grams and 21.2 mm diameter. This was San Francisco's first year producing proof sets after the operation transferred from Philadelphia, and the transition may have contributed to the hub alignment challenges that generated numerous DDO varieties. Felix Schlag's Jefferson portrait and Monticello reverse frame this Class I rotational variety within the original design type that served the series for sixty-five years.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Wexler Variety ID: 1968-S WDDO-019 Proof
• Expert attribution by Timothy Wissert

External References