1969-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-019

Description

Close Class II distorted hub doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA identifies this nineteenth doubled die reverse for the 1969-S Jefferson Nickel, a proof strike attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1969-S WDDR-019 Proof. The proof designation means this variety was struck at the San Francisco Mint using specially prepared dies and planchets, with multiple striking impressions to achieve the characteristic mirror fields and frosted devices of proof coinage. Die markers include a die gouge between T and E of UNITED and die scratches on the rim below ES of STATES and OF on the reverse, while no obverse markers were noted. The 1969-S holds particular significance in Jefferson Nickel lore because the 1969-S doubled die obverse — while far less famous than its Lincoln Cent counterpart — is a recognized variety in the series. Nineteen DDRs documented for the 1969-S proof reflects the careful examination these coins receive from variety specialists, as proof coins' superior surface quality makes subtle doubling easier to detect than on business strikes. Class II hub distortion on proof dies indicates that even the carefully prepared dies used for proof production could exhibit hubbing anomalies.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1969-S WDDR-019 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References