1970-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005

Description

Carrying the Class II Distorted Hub Doubling classification, this fifth doubled die obverse for the 1970-S Proof Jefferson Nickel presents Class II Distorted Hub Doubling manifesting as a close spread on IN GOD WE TRUST across the obverse portrait area. Class II doubling arises from a physical distortion within the working hub — as opposed to a simple rotational or offset misalignment — creating a pattern where the spread direction and magnitude vary organically across the design surface. The Wexler variety identification is 1970-S WDDO-005 Proof, confirming this as a proof-only variety from San Francisco. Obverse die markers include a die gouge on the inner right side of the O of GOD, while reverse markers show a die scratch below ED of UNITED and another below AT of STATES. Originally attributed by Ben Peters, whose systematic examination of proof Jefferson Nickel dies has contributed substantially to the variety catalog for this series. The 1970-S proof nickel was struck during a year when San Francisco was the exclusive producer of United States proof coins — a role the facility had assumed in 1968 after proof production was suspended during the coin shortage era of 1965-1967. Five DDO varieties for a single proof date demonstrates the frequency of hub distortion events in the die manufacturing process, where each working hub could develop unique deformation characteristics through repeated use. Combined with the thirty-plus DDR varieties documented for the same date, the 1970-S proof nickel emerges as one of the most variety-rich issues in the Jefferson Nickel series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ben Peters
• Wexler Variety ID: 1970-S WDDO-005 Proof
• Expert attribution by Ben Peters

External References