1923-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Displaying the distinctive characteristics of Class VI distended hub doubling, the 1923-S Buffalo Nickel WDDO-001 shows strong extra thickness on the date and LIBERTY without directional spread — the hallmark of Class VI, where the hub physically expanded between impressions, enlarging design elements rather than shifting them directionally. The result is noticeably thicker digits in the date and letterforms in LIBERTY, as if the design were emboldened. Cross-referenced as CONECA 1-O-VI — the first listed DDO (1), obverse (O), Class VI — this variety carries dual attribution in both the Wexler and CONECA systems. No obverse or reverse die markers have been noted, meaning attribution relies entirely on the Class VI extra thickness diagnostics. Designed by James Earle Fraser, the Buffalo Nickel's obverse depicts a composite Native American portrait (modeled after Iron Tail, Two Moons, and John Big Tree), while the reverse features an American bison modeled after Black Diamond from the Central Park Zoo. The 1923-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of 6,142,000 — a relatively low figure for the series. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel at 5.0 grams. Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1923-S 5¢ WDDO-001. Examine the date and LIBERTY for the strong extra thickness of Class VI distended hub doubling.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Tom Arch Cross References: CONECA: 1-O-VI
• CONECA: 1-O-VI; Wexler Variety ID: 1923-S 5¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References