1971-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-035

Description

Exhibiting Class II (Distorted Hub) doubling across four obverse design elements, this 1971-S Proof Jefferson Nickel WDDO-035 shows close doubling on LIBERTY, the star, the date, and the designer's initials FS (for Felix Schlag, who designed the Jefferson Nickel in 1938). The four-element spread pattern confirms that the hub distortion affected a broad swath of the obverse die face. An additional diagnostic note identifies this coin as a possible S/S — a repunched mintmark where the S shows traces of a secondary impression — though this feature requires separate confirmation. The reverse die is independently cataloged as a doubled die listed as 1971-S Pr 5c WDDR-060, meaning this die marriage combines an obverse DDO with a reverse DDR, creating the possibility of finding both varieties on a single coin. Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1971-S WDDO-035 Proof, this San Francisco proof nickel offers collectors a potential trifecta: obverse doubling, reverse doubling, and a possible repunched mintmark all on one coin. The proof format's mirrored fields enhance the visibility of the close Class II spread on LIBERTY, the star points, the date digits, and the FS initials.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1971-S WDDO-035 Proof
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References