1939 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007

Description

Seventh obverse doubled die documented for the 1939 Jefferson nickel proof, WDDO-007 presents Class VI (Distended Hub) doubling manifesting as extra thickness on LIBERTY, the star, the date, and slightly on IN GOD WE TRUST. Class VI distended hub doubling is among the rarest doubling classes in the Wexler classification system — it results from a hub that has physically expanded or distorted, producing a working die impression that differs in scale from normal dies rather than showing the directional displacement characteristic of pivot or offset doubling. Felix Schlag's obverse design, which won the 1938 public competition that launched the Jefferson nickel series, carries the left-facing portrait with LIBERTY along the upper rim and IN GOD WE TRUST along the lower left. The obverse die markers include die scratches on the back of Jefferson's cheekbone and the Type I steps notation, which identifies a specific reverse variety within the Monticello design classification. Notably, the reverse of this die is cross-listed as 1939 Pr 5c WDDR-012, indicating both obverse and reverse dies in this marriage carry documented hub doubling — a relatively uncommon pairing that makes this die marriage doubly significant for variety collectors. The proof designation places this variety among the 1939 proof nickels, which had a mintage of approximately 12,535 — one of the smallest proof runs in the Jefferson nickel series. The combination of Class VI doubling affecting multiple obverse elements, the dual-doubled-die marriage, and the extremely low proof mintage creates a variety of considerable numismatic significance. Collectors should examine LIBERTY and the date under 15-20x magnification for the broadened, slightly enlarged character of the letters and digits that distinguishes distended hub doubling from directional spread.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die scratches on back of Jefferson's cheekbone.  Type I steps.
• Reverse: Listed as 1939 Pr 5c WDDR-012.

External References