1939 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-004

Description

Class V pivoted hub doubling defines this fourth doubled die reverse for the 1939 Jefferson Nickel, with a close clockwise spread from a pivot at approximately 10:00 showing on FIVE CENTS, MONTICELLO, and the right side of the building. The pivot point at 10:00 means design elements positioned farther from this upper-left location display progressively greater displacement, with the lower right portions of the reverse — FIVE CENTS and the right side of Monticello — showing the most visible doubling. The reverse also features Type II steps on Monticello, a classification detail that Jefferson Nickel specialists track carefully as a die characteristic distinct from the doubling itself. Specific die markers include horizontal die scratches just above the right porch on the reverse, providing a secondary attribution tool. The obverse die is noted as being listed as 1939 5c WDDO-001, establishing a die marriage between a doubled die reverse and the first documented doubled die obverse for the date — creating a coin with hub doubling on both sides. Felix Schlag's original Monticello reverse design, which won the 1938 design competition alongside his obverse portrait of Jefferson, provides rich architectural detail where Class V pivoted doubling produces visible secondary impressions. The 1939 Jefferson Nickel was only the second year of the design, and the die preparation processes for the new type were still being refined. Four doubled die reverses documented for this early date reflects the combination of new-design die preparation challenges and the thorough examination early Jefferson Nickel dates have received from die variety specialists over the decades.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Listed as 1939 5c WDDO-001.
• Reverse: Horizontal die scratches just above right porch.  Type II steps.

External References