1969-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Third Wexler-cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1969-S Proof Jefferson Nickel, WDDO-003 exhibits Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling) with close spread on IN GOD WE TRUST and the designer's initials FS — the monogram of Felix Schlag, who won the 1938 design competition for the Jefferson Nickel. Class II doubling produces characteristic non-uniform displacement patterns resulting from physical distortion of the hub during the impression process, distinguishing it from the consistent rotational shift of Class I and the translational displacement of other hub doubling classes. Die markers include no significant obverse features beyond the doubling itself, while the reverse displays a die gouge below the second L of PLURIBUS and another die gouge to the upper right of the F of OF — details that provide attribution confirmation for this specific die pair. Submitted by variety researcher Brian Ribar and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1969-S WDDO-003 Proof, this variety was struck from proof dies at the San Francisco Mint. The 1969-S proof nickel was included in the 2,934,631 proof sets produced that year. The 1969-S date carries special significance in Lincoln Cent collecting for the famous 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse cent — one of the most valuable modern U.S. coins — and variety collectors examining 1969-S proof sets for that celebrated cent often expand their search to include other denominations in the set, driving thorough documentation of 1969-S proof varieties across all five denominations.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1969-S WDDO-003 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian Ribar

External References