1931-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

Key-date status and dramatic hub doubling converge in WDDR-001 of the 1931-S Buffalo Nickel, combining the inherent scarcity of one of the series' lowest mintages with strong Class VI distended hub doubling. The 1931-S, with approximately 1.2 million pieces struck, ranks among the scarcest regular-issue Buffalo Nickels, and any die variety on this date carries amplified significance. The reverse displays strong spread on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM, with slight spread also on FIVE CENTS. Class VI doubling, also known as distended hub doubling, occurs when the hub expands or distorts during die-making, producing spread radiating outward from the design's center. Obverse die markers include a die crack from the head to U in UNITED. Cross-referenced as CONECA 1-R-VI and attributed as Wexler 1931-S 5c WDDR-001, this variety carries dual independent catalog references. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, the 1931-S Buffalo Nickel in any condition commands a premium, and specimens with this doubled die reverse represent a desirable intersection of date rarity and variety significance.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Larry Briggs Cross References: CONECA: 1-R-VI
• CONECA: 1-R-VI; Wexler Variety ID: 1931-S 5¢ WDDR-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References