1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-016

Description

A Class II, Distorted Hub Doubling variety on the 1971-S Proof Jefferson Nickel, this doubled die obverse shows a spread toward the center on LIBERTY, the star, and the date that decreases left to right, while the spread on IN GOD WE TRUST increases left to right, and the designer's initials also show spread. The obverse die carries three scratch markers: a short die scratch extends from the lower left portion of the O in GOD; a long die scratch runs down the left side of Jefferson's coat; and a diagonal die scratch appears at the top of the back of the ribbon on the queue. Machine doubling is present on most letters and should not be confused with the true hub doubling described. Notably, the reverse die is also a doubled die — separately catalogued as 1971-S Pr 5c WDDR-018 — making this a coin struck from two doubled dies simultaneously, a relatively uncommon pairing. San Francisco Proof Jefferson Nickels of 1971 were the third year of the resumed proof program after the 1968 resumption. The combined obverse and reverse doubled die status makes this variety a reference piece for those studying doubled die pairings.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Short die scratch from lower left portion of O of GOD; long die scratch down left side of Jefferson's coat; diagonal die scratch at top of back of ribbon on queue.  Machine doubling shows on most letters.
• Reverse: The reverse is a doubled die listed as 1971-S Pr 5c WDDR-018.

External References