2005 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Class VIII Tilted Hub Doubling on WE TRUST, the outermost letters of LIBERTY, and slightly on the date marks WDDO-004, a Satin Finish 2005 Philadelphia Jefferson Nickel with the Bison reverse from the Westward Journey series. Kenneth Russell identified this variety, which carries dual cross-references: CONECA Bison Reverse 2-O-VIII and Wexler Variety ID 2005 P WDDO-004 Satin Finish Bison. The Satin Finish designation is significant — these special-finish coins were produced exclusively for 2005 Uncirculated Mint Sets and feature a distinctive matte surface created through a proprietary burnishing process, different from both standard business strikes and proofs. The Westward Journey Bison reverse, designed by Jamie Franki and depicting an American bison in profile, was one of two special reverse designs used in 2005 alongside the Ocean in View design. Obverse die markers include a die scratch between U and S of TRUST and a die scratch above the date, while no reverse die markers were noted. The Class VIII tilted hub mechanism produces doubling that increases in magnitude from one side of the design to the other, and on this variety the effect is strongest on WE TRUST and the outer LIBERTY letters. Satin Finish varieties are inherently limited in population to the number of Mint Sets produced, making WDDO-004 a conditionally scarce variety within the broader Jefferson Nickel DDO census.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kenneth Russell
• CONECA Bison Reverse 2-O-VIII; Wexler Variety ID: 2005 P WDDO-004 Satin Finish Bison
• Expert attribution by Kenneth Russell

External References