2005 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-077

Description

Attributed by Richard Ray under Wexler Variety ID 2005 P WDDR-077 Business Strike Ocean in View, this seventy-seventh documented doubled die reverse for the 2005 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel belongs to the Westward Journey series "Ocean in View" reverse design. Three die markers aid attribution: on the obverse, a die gouge/dot positioned above and between the W and E of WE; on the reverse, a large dot chip above the 5 of the date and the F of FIVE, and a die dot near the center of the C of CENTS. The "Ocean in View" reverse, depicting the Pacific Ocean vista that greeted the Lewis and Clark expedition, was one of two special reverse designs used in 2005 as part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series commemorating the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Seventy-seven documented doubled die reverses for a single date, mint, and design type is an extraordinary count, reflecting the intense scrutiny variety researchers applied to this limited-issue design. The die markers — particularly the large dot chip above the 5 and F — provide robust attribution points that make identification straightforward under moderate magnification. Richard Ray's attribution of this variety adds to the extensive body of Wexler Team research on modern nickel varieties. The Westward Journey series produced only two years of special designs (2004-2005) before the standard Monticello reverse returned, making varieties on these transitional issues particularly collectible.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Richard Ray
• Unknown; Wexler Variety ID: 2005 P WDDR-077 Business Strike Ocean in View
• Expert attribution by Richard Ray

External References