1969-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-044

Description

Brian Ribar documented this Class II distorted hub doubling on the 1969-S proof Jefferson nickel, with a close spread affecting E PLURIBUS UNUM and OF AMERICA on the Monticello reverse. The Wexler catalog reference is 1969-S WDDR-044 Proof. Obverse markers include a series of die gouges on the lower portion of Jefferson's collar. The reverse presents four diagnostic die gouges: one to the upper right of the L of PLURIBUS, one to the upper left of the P of PLURIBUS, die scratches in and above the left arch, and additional gouges that fingerprint this specific working die. Class II distorted hub doubling on the 1969-S proof nickel occurs within the context of San Francisco's proof production methodology, where dies were prepared with extra care — chrome-plated and polished to produce mirror fields — yet remained susceptible to the same hubbing misalignment that affects business-strike dies. The close spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM and OF AMERICA, concentrated on the Monticello reverse's upper inscription band, suggests the hub displacement vector aligned most favorably with that portion of the die face. WDDR-044 sits deep in the catalog for 1969-S proof nickel doubled reverse varieties, reflecting the substantial number of working dies San Francisco employed for proof production during this period and the meticulous documentation efforts of attributors like Ribar who systematically cataloged each unique die. The collar gouges on the obverse offer a quick preliminary screening point before detailed reverse examination.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1969-S WDDR-044 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian Ribar

External References