2018 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-005

Description

Fifth in the Wexler-documented reverse doubled die census for the 2018 Jefferson nickel, WDDR-005 exhibits strong Class VIII (Tilted Hub) tripling on the second L of MONTICELLO — an unusual diagnostic where not two but three distinct hub impressions are visible on a single design element. Class VIII doubling occurs when the hub tilts during the die-sinking process, pressing one side of the design more deeply than the other and creating a pivoting displacement. When this happens across three separate hub impressions, the result is tripling — three offset impressions of the affected letter rather than the usual two seen in standard doubled dies. The 2018 Jefferson nickel carries the revised Monticello reverse by Felix Schlag (modified over the decades since its 1938 debut) and Jamie Franki's forward-facing Jefferson portrait introduced in 2006. Reverse die markers include seven short die gouges extending from the roof on the right side of the Monticello building, providing a distinctive cluster of secondary diagnostics for confirming the correct die. No significant obverse die markers were noted. The strong classification indicates the tripling on the second L of MONTICELLO is clearly visible and does not require extreme magnification to detect — the three displaced impressions of the letter produce a dramatically thickened or stepped appearance. Class VIII varieties are less common than the more frequently encountered Class I (Rotated Hub) and Class II (Distorted Hub) types, making this tripled variety an interesting attribution for Jefferson nickel variety specialists. Collectors should examine the second L of MONTICELLO under 10-15x magnification, then verify the seven roof die gouges on the right side of the building to confirm the die identity.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Seven short die gouges extend from roof on right side of building.

External References