1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-030

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar with Wexler Variety ID 1971-S WDDO-030 Proof, this Class I (Rotated Hub) doubled die obverse appears on the 1971-S proof Jefferson nickel struck at the San Francisco Mint. Class I doubling is created when the hub rotates slightly between successive impressions on the die, producing a radial spread that fans outward from a central pivot point. On this variety, the rotated spread shows prominently on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the five-pointed star, the date, and the designer's initials FS (Felix Schlag). No significant obverse die markers beyond the doubling itself have been noted. Reverse die markers include die gouges inside the upper portion of the R of PLURIBUS, a small die dot between the second S of STATES and the O of OF, and parallel die scratches on the rim below ER of AMERICA. The 1971-S proof nickel was struck in the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel composition, weighing 5.0 grams at 21.2 mm diameter. The 1971-S proof nickel is part of the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series, and the San Francisco Mint's proof production during this era employed multiple hub impressions to create dies, making proof coinage a particularly rich source of doubled die varieties. The 1971-S date is exceptionally well studied for doubled dies, with dozens of documented obverse and reverse varieties from this single date and mint.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S WDDO-030 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References