1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-020

Description

Cataloged by John A. Wexler as WDDO-020, this 1971-S proof Jefferson nickel exhibits Class V (Pivoted Hub) doubling, a variety type where the hub pivoted around a central point during the die-making process. The doubling is readily visible on LIBERTY, the date, the star, and designer Felix Schlag's initials FS, with a very close spread also discernible on IN GOD. Struck at the San Francisco Mint exclusively for proof sets, this coin weighs 5.0 grams, measures 21.2 mm in diameter, and is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Obverse die markers essential for authentication include a small die dot on the back portion of Jefferson's collar, while the reverse carries a die gouge above the right side of the triangle and a die gouge to the left of the O in OF. This variety is cross-referenced as CONECA 20-R-II-C, providing an additional cataloging pathway for collectors who use the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America system. The pivoted hub doubling mechanism distinguishes this from the more common Class I through Class IV types, as the rotation around a fixed point creates a spread pattern that increases with distance from the pivot center. This proof issue is part of the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series, a long-running design that Felix Schlag won through a public competition in 1938.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• CONECA 20-R-II-C; Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S WDDO-020 Proof
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References