1927-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Among the most significant doubled die obverses in the Buffalo Nickel series, the 1927-S WDDO-001 exhibits a Class V clockwise spread from a pivot point at approximately 1 o'clock, with doubling visible on the date, ribbon ties, braid, and the small feather at the back of the Native American portrait's neck. Class V pivoted hub doubling occurs when the hub rotates slightly between successive impressions on the working die, creating a rotational spread that increases in magnitude with distance from the pivot point. The 1927-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint with a modest mintage that makes any significant die variety from this date noteworthy among Buffalo Nickel specialists. Cross-referenced extensively across major attribution systems — CONECA 1-O-V, Cherrypickers FS-05-1927S-101 (016.75), and Breen #2630 — this variety carries the weight of recognition from multiple independent authorities, confirming its significance within the series. The Wexler Variety ID 1927-S 5c WDDO-001 places it as the primary doubled die obverse for the date, attributed by the Wexler Team. James Earle Fraser's iconic Buffalo Nickel obverse, featuring a composite Native American portrait, presents the doubling in areas of fine detail — the braid, ribbon ties, and delicate feather — where even slight hub shifts produce visible separation between the primary and secondary impressions. The date area shows the most pronounced spread, as it sits furthest from the 1 o'clock pivot point. Collectors seeking this variety should focus on the date numerals and the braid area behind the neck for the strongest doubling indicators.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ron Pope Cross References: CONECA: 1-O-V, Cherrypickers: FS-05-1927S-101 (016.75), Breen: #2630
• CONECA: 1-O-V, Cherrypickers: FS-05-1927S-101 (016.75), Breen: #2630; Wexler Variety ID: 1927-S 5¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References