1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Presenting a Class V pivoted hub doubling with a counterclockwise spread from a pivot point at approximately 10 o'clock, the 1971-S proof Jefferson Nickel WDDO-004 shows doubling on LIBERTY, the designer's initials FS (Felix Schlag), the date, the star, and very slightly on IN GOD WE TRUST. Class V pivoted doubling occurs when the hub rotates between successive impressions on the working die, creating spread that increases in magnitude with distance from the pivot point. With the pivot at 10 o'clock and the spread running counterclockwise, the strongest doubling appears on elements positioned farthest from that pivot — LIBERTY and the date show the most pronounced separation. Notably, the reverse die paired with this obverse is itself a doubled die, listed as 1971-S Pr 5c WDDR-004, meaning coins struck from this die pair carry doubled dies on both sides — a dual doubled die that significantly elevates collector interest. The 1971-S proof nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint exclusively for proof sets, and proof coins receive especially careful examination from collectors, leading to thorough documentation of die varieties. No significant obverse die markers were noted, while the reverse carries its own doubled die characteristics. The combination of obverse and reverse doubled dies on a single coin pair creates a premium variety that attracts collectors from both the Jefferson Nickel specialty and the broader doubled die community.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: The reverse is a doubled die listed as 1971-S Pr 5c WDDR-004.

External References