1930 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009

Description

Ninth in the Wexler-documented obverse doubled die census for the 1930 Buffalo nickel, WDDO-009 displays a Class IV spread on the date and the right side of the large feather on the Indian Head portrait designed by James Earle Fraser. Class IV doubling (Offset Hub Doubling) occurs when the hub shifts laterally during die production without rotation, creating a uniform directional displacement across all affected elements. Obverse die markers include a die clash visible above the back of the head near the rim and a die crack on the lower forehead above the nose — both providing valuable secondary diagnostics for confirming the correct die identity. The die clash indicates this die experienced at least one event where the obverse and reverse dies struck together without a planchet, transferring reverse design ghost impressions onto the obverse die surface. The die crack on the lower forehead represents progressive die fatigue. No significant reverse die markers were noted. The Wexler Team cataloged this variety under Wexler Variety ID: 1930 5¢ WDDO-009, with no additional cross-references currently known. Philadelphia struck approximately 22.85 million Buffalo nickels in 1930, a Depression-era mintage that reflects the declining economic conditions of the early 1930s. Fraser's Indian Head obverse features a composite Native American portrait with an elaborate feathered headdress, and the large feather cascading down the right side provides detailed surface contours where offset hub doubling becomes readily detectable. Collectors should examine the date digits and the right feather under 10-15x magnification for consistent directional displacement, then verify the die clash above the head and the forehead crack to confirm the die identification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John Pirro Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1930 5¢ WDDO-009
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References