2020 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006

Description

Attributed by Charles Hudson and cataloged as 2020-P WDDR-006, this Jefferson Nickel doubled die reverse is designated a "Best Of" Nickel Doubled Die Variety — an elite classification reserved for the most visually impressive and numismatically significant doubled dies in the entire Jefferson Nickel series. The doubling is classified as Class VI, Distended Hub Doubling, where the working hub expanded slightly between impressions due to pressure-induced deformation, producing a uniform outward spread across all design elements. Very strong Class VI extra thickness is visible on the central elements of Monticello — the columns, doors, steps, the triangle above the center door, and the semicircular window above the triangle — along with TICELLO of MONTICELLO showing separation between primary and secondary letter images. The concentration on Monticello's central architectural features creates a dramatically enhanced building facade where the doubling amplifies the three-dimensional appearance of the columns and doorway elements. Reverse die markers include a die gouge in the field to the upper left of the dome and a die gouge to the lower right of the N in MONTICELLO. No significant obverse die markers were noted. The Jefferson Nickel's Return to Monticello reverse (2006 to present) provides a complex architectural canvas where Class VI distended hub doubling can produce particularly striking visual results, as the building's multiple columns, windows, and doorways each show the uniform outward expansion characteristic of this doubling class. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 2020 in copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) weighing 5.0 grams with a 21.21 mm diameter. The "Best Of" designation from the Wexler files elevates this variety to the top tier of Jefferson Nickel doubled dies, making it a priority target for series specialists.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Charles Hudson
• Wexler Variety ID: 2020-P WDDR-006 "Best Of" Nickel Doubled Die Varieties
• Expert attribution by Charles Hudson

External References