1969-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-021

Description

John A. Miller attributed this variety, designated WDDR-021 for the 1969 San Francisco Mint Proof Jefferson Nickel, documenting Class II distorted hub doubling with a spread toward the center on E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The doubling increases from left to right across both inscriptions, revealing the specific angle of hub misalignment — the tilt axis ran roughly parallel to the left edge, producing minimal displacement on leftmost letters and maximum spread on the rightmost. As a proof, this coin was struck using polished dies on specially prepared planchets, creating mirror fields that enhance visibility of the centripetal spread. Proof Jefferson Nickels from 1969-S were produced after the Mint resumed proof sets in 1968 following the three-year hiatus during the coin shortage, with the S mint mark restored to proof coins exclusively. The left-to-right progressive spread provides a reliable attribution tool, since the graduated intensity creates a predictable pattern across the full width of the reverse inscriptions that collectors can trace under magnification. Reverse: Die dot to upper right of second A of AMERICA; small die dot below left leg of R of AMERICA; vertical die gouge between lower portions of A and second T of STATES.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Miller
• Wexler Variety ID: 1969-S WDDR-021 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Miller

External References