1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-008

Description

From the inaugural year of Felix Schlag's Jefferson Nickel design, this 1938 doubled die reverse exhibits Class II Distorted Hub Doubling with close spread showing on E PLURIBUS UNUM — increasing in magnitude from left to right — along with very close doubling on STATES and CENTS. This is a dual variety, with the obverse die also listed as 1938 WDDR-008's companion WDDO-007. A small die gouge resembling a dot above and to the right of the small right window near the Monticello roofline serves as the primary reverse die marker. Attributed by Lou Coles and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID: 1938 WDDR-008, the variety holds special significance as a first-year issue — 1938 marked the transition from the beloved Buffalo Nickel to Schlag's portrait of Thomas Jefferson paired with his Virginia estate, Monticello. Doubled dies from the first year of any series attract heightened collector interest, and the combination of Class II distortion affecting multiple reverse inscriptions makes this variety diagnostically accessible under moderate magnification.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Lou Coles
• Wexler Variety ID: 1938 WDDR-008
• Expert attribution by Lou Coles

External References