1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-014

Description

From the inaugural year of the Jefferson Nickel series in 1938, WDDR-014 exhibits strong Class II doubling on the reverse, where hub displacement toward the center produced pronounced separation on affected design elements. Stronger doubling shows on Monticello's architectural details, with the building's columns, dome, and portico providing well-defined geometric boundaries against which even modest hub displacement becomes readily apparent. Felix Schlag's original reverse design, which won the 1938 design competition, depicts Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate with E PLURIBUS UNUM arched above and MONTICELLO below. The first-year status of the 1938 Jefferson Nickel adds numismatic significance, as inaugural-year varieties carry particular appeal for type collectors building error and variety sets. Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cataloged under Wexler Variety ID 1938 WDDR-014, this strong Class II doubled die reverse from the series' debut year combines variety significance with the historical interest of the Jefferson Nickel's launch. Stronger doubling shows on Die Markers: Obverse: Slanted die scratch below E of LIBERTY. Reverse: Die gouge on left side of L of PLURIBUS; slanted die scratches inside right arch; die scratch to right of S of CENTS.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1938 WDDR-014
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References