1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar, WDDO-003 for the 1970-S Jefferson nickel proof combines two doubling mechanisms in a single die — Class II distorted hub and Class V pivoted hub — creating a compound spread that affects IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the star, the date, and the designer's initials FS. The dual-class designation (II+V) means that the hub experienced both warping and partial rotation between impressions, producing a displacement pattern that combines the non-uniform lateral stretch of Class II with the radiating fan of Class V. This compound mechanism creates a distinctive fingerprint where different design elements show different spread characteristics depending on their position relative to both the distortion axis and the pivot center. No obverse die markers were noted, placing the attribution burden entirely on the doubling pattern itself. The reverse carries two diagnostics: two short slanted die scratches inside the small left window of Monticello, and a die dot to the right of the long left window. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1970-S WDDO-003 Proof, this variety originates from the 2,632,810 proof sets struck at San Francisco in 1970. The combination of Class II and Class V mechanisms in a single die is relatively uncommon across all denominations, making WDDO-003 an instructive example for collectors studying doubled die classification systems. The multiple obverse elements affected — spanning from the motto at 12 o'clock through LIBERTY at 9 o'clock and the date at 6 o'clock — indicate that the compound hub anomaly influenced a wide arc of the die face rather than being confined to a localized zone.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S WDDO-003 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References