1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

WDDO-001 on the 1971-S proof Jefferson nickel is a Class II distorted hub doubling variety where an extremely close spread toward the center shows on the designer's initials (FS for Felix Schlag), the upper portions of the letters of LIBERTY, the star, and the date. The "extremely close" characterization signals that this doubling is at the threshold of detectability, requiring high magnification and comparison with confirmed examples to attribute confidently. An important obverse die marker aids identification: the right bar of the W in WE has been heavily polished and appears thin, almost broken — suggesting significant die maintenance was performed. Additionally, much machine doubling (strike doubling) is present, which can confuse attribution by creating secondary images unrelated to the hub doubling. What makes this die pairing particularly noteworthy is that the reverse is itself a doubled die, independently listed as 1971-S Pr 5c WDDR-001. A dual-variety coin — carrying both a DDO and DDR designation — is uncommon because it requires two independently flawed dies to be paired together in the press. Proof coins from 1971-S were struck at San Francisco and distributed exclusively through official proof sets. The combination of obverse and reverse hub doubling on a single proof coin creates a dual-attribution collectible that appeals to specialists pursuing comprehensive Jefferson nickel variety sets.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Right bar of W of WE heavily polished and thin, almost broken; much machine doubling.
• Reverse: The reverse is a doubled die listed as 1971-S Pr 5c WDDR-001.

External References