1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-011

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler, founder of the doubled die classification system that bears his name, this 1971-S Proof Jefferson Nickel carries a Class II distorted hub doubled die obverse designated WDDO-011. The doubling is extremely close and manifests on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the star, the date, and the designer's initials FS for Felix Schlag. Remarkably, the reverse of this same die pair is also a doubled die, separately listed as WDDR-011, making specimens struck from this pair dual-variety coins carrying both obverse and reverse doubling. Obverse die markers include a die scratch in Jefferson's hair to the lower left of the L in LIBERTY. The proof striking process, with its polished dies and multiple impressions at elevated pressure, renders the extremely close Class II spread in fine detail that would be less apparent on business-strike surfaces. The co-occurrence of both DDO and DDR on the same die marriage is uncommon and adds significant collector interest, as a single coin documents two separate hub-to-die anomalies that occurred during the preparation of this proof die pair.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S WDDO-011 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References