1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009

Description

Very close Class II distorted hub doubling on LIBERTY, the star, the date, and the designer's initials FS characterizes this ninth doubled die obverse for the 1971-S proof Jefferson Nickel. Attributed by John A. Wexler himself with the cross-reference Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S WDDO-009 Proof, this variety is paired with a reverse die that is itself a doubled die — listed separately as 1971-S Pr 5c WDDR-009 — making this a rare instance of a coin struck from doubled dies on both sides. Obverse die scratches on the rim above 71 of the date provide a secondary diagnostic marker. Class II doubling is caused by hub distortion under extreme hubbing pressure, producing a spread pattern where design elements at different distances from the center shift by varying amounts, creating the appearance of rotational displacement. The 1971-S proof nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint, which had resumed proof coin production in 1968 after the 1965-1967 Special Mint Set hiatus. Felix Schlag's original Jefferson portrait carried his initials FS below the shoulder truncation, and the very close nature of the doubling on these small initials indicates minimal hub displacement that nonetheless affected multiple design elements across the die face. A coin bearing doubled dies on both obverse and reverse represents an uncommon find within an already specialized collecting field.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S WDDO-009 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References