2005 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-012

Description

Attributed by Kenneth Russell and cataloged as 2005 P WDDR-012 Satin Finish Ocean in View in the Wexler files, this Jefferson Nickel variety carries the distinguished "Best Of" Nickel Doubled Die Varieties designation — a recognition reserved for the most significant doubled die varieties across the entire Jefferson series. Cross-referenced as CDDR-022 and CONECA DDR-020, the variety's triple-catalog presence confirms its importance in the die variety collecting community. The coin belongs to the 2005 Westward Journey series featuring the Ocean in View reverse design by Joe Fitzgerald, which depicts Captain William Clark standing at the Pacific coast with the inscription "Ocean in view! O! The joy!" from his journal. The Satin Finish designation indicates this variety comes from the 2005 Mint Set, where special Satin Finish coins replaced the traditional brilliant uncirculated finish — a surface treatment that creates a distinctive matte-like texture rather than the standard proof-like brilliance or circulation strike luster. The Jefferson Nickel was designed by Felix Schlag for the original obverse, though the 2005 Westward Journey series used Joe Fitzgerald's forward-facing Jefferson portrait. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.00 grams with a 21.21 mm diameter, the 2005 Satin Finish coins had a limited production tied to Mint Set sales. The convergence of a Satin Finish limited-production coin, a distinctive Westward Journey design, and a "Best Of" doubled die designation makes WDDR-012 one of the most desirable modern Jefferson varieties for collectors pursuing both surface variety and die variety specialties simultaneously.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Kenneth Russell
• CDDR-022/CONECA DDR-020; Wexler Variety ID: 2005 P WDDR-012 Satin Finish Ocean in View "Best Of" Nickel Doubled Die Varieties
• Expert attribution by Kenneth Russell

External References