1980 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Attributed by Whaden Curtis and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1980-P WDDR-001, this Class II plus Class VI (distorted and distended hub) doubled die reverse on the 1980-P Jefferson Nickel exhibits doubling as extra thickness with some separation on E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and the right side of the Monticello building. The dual classification indicates two distinct hub distortion mechanisms acted simultaneously during the die hubbing process: Class II distortion (hub warping) combined with Class VI distension (hub expansion), producing both directional spread and radial expansion effects on the affected design elements. The obverse die marker shows a die gouge above the horizontal portion of the G of GOD, while the reverse carries a slanted die scratch to the upper left of the E of E PLURIBUS UNUM. As WDDR-001, this variety holds the primary doubled die reverse catalog position for the 1980-P issue, representing the most significant documented reverse hub doubling for this date-mint combination. The 1980-P Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and bears the P mintmark — the first year the P was added to Jefferson Nickels, following the Mint's 1979 decision to begin marking Philadelphia Mint coins with a P for all denominations except the cent. This numismatic milestone makes 1980-P nickels significant beyond their variety content. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.00 grams with a 21.2 mm diameter, the extra thickness with separation on three major reverse elements indicates the dual-mechanism hub displacement was strong enough to produce visible separation on some letter strokes rather than mere thickening, placing this among the stronger DDR varieties for the series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Whaden Curtis
• Wexler Variety ID: 1980-P WDDR-001
• Expert attribution by Whaden Curtis

External References