1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-013

Description

Combining Class II distorted hub doubling with Class VI distended hub doubling, WDDO-013 for the 1938 Jefferson Nickel represents a rare dual-class doubled die — a variety where two distinct doubling mechanisms operated simultaneously during the hubbing process. Class II results from a warped or distorted hub, while Class VI involves a hub that has expanded (distended) from repeated use, and the interaction of both types creates a complex doubling pattern distinct from either mechanism alone. Attributed by Brian A. Ribar under Wexler Variety ID 1938 WDDO-013, this variety appears on the first-year Jefferson Nickel, making it part of the inaugural die variety record for a design that would continue for over sixty-five years. Obverse die markers include a short die gouge protruding from the right side of the T in LIBERTY, a die scratch below IB of LIBERTY near the back of Jefferson's head, and a short die gouge inside the G of GOD. No reverse markers have been noted. The 1938 date marks Felix Schlag's competition-winning design debut, and thirteen documented doubled die obverses for the first year indicates the level of research attention lavished on inaugural dates. Dual-class doubled dies are uncommon in the catalog because they require two independent mechanical failures to occur during the same hubbing session — the hub must be both physically warped and dimensionally expanded, a confluence that arises infrequently even across the thousands of dies produced during a typical production year.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1938 WDDO-013
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References