1969-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-016

Description

Identified by Brian A. Ribar and assigned the Wexler designation 1969-S WDDR-016 Proof, this doubled die reverse Jefferson Nickel exhibits Class II distorted hub doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Class II doubling results from a tilted hub impression during die production, creating a spread that radiates from a pivot point rather than shifting uniformly. The close spread on these reverse legends requires careful examination under magnification to distinguish from strike doubling or die deterioration. Reverse die markers provide critical attribution support: a die gouge inside the upper portion of the U in UNITED and a die dot above the I of FIVE serve as fingerprints tying any candidate coin to this specific working die. No obverse die markers were noted, meaning attribution relies entirely on the reverse diagnostics. As a San Francisco proof issue from 1969, this coin was struck on specially polished planchets with polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted devices characteristic of proof coinage. The 1969-S proof Jefferson Nickel was included in that year's proof set, with production of approximately 2.9 million sets.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1969-S WDDR-016 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References