1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-009

Description

Ninth in the reverse doubled die census for the inaugural 1938 Jefferson nickel, WDDR-009 displays close Class II Distorted Hub Doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM — the motto positioned above Felix Schlag's Monticello depiction on the reverse. Class II doubling in the Wexler classification system results from a rotational pivot between hub impressions, where the working hub turned slightly around a center point during the secondary impression, producing displacement that varies in magnitude based on distance from the axis of rotation. The close designation indicates the primary and secondary impressions nearly overlap, producing thickened letter strokes rather than dramatically separated doubled images. Obverse die markers provide a useful secondary diagnostic: a short die gouge sits between the 3 and 8 of the date, offering a die-specific fingerprint independent of the reverse doubling. No significant reverse markers beyond the doubling itself were recorded, with the notation that the available coin was well-worn, limiting the observable die markers. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID: 1938 WDDR-009, establishing this within the Wexler Team's formal classification framework. The 1938 date holds special significance as the first year of the Jefferson nickel series, which replaced the Buffalo nickel design that had been in production since 1913. Felix Schlag won a public design competition with his depictions of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse, though the Mint modified his original reverse before production. Philadelphia struck approximately 19.52 million nickels in 1938, a modest first-year mintage. Nine documented reverse doubled dies for the debut year reflects sustained specialist interest in comprehensively cataloging varieties on the series' inaugural issue.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1938 WDDR-009
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References