1939 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-011

Description

Class II Distorted Hub Doubling manifests on LIBERTY, the star, and the date of this 1939 Jefferson Nickel, the second year of Felix Schlag's design that had debuted in 1938. The distorted hub mechanism produces doubling with a characteristic irregular spread pattern — unlike the parallel displacement of Class I pivoted hub doubling, Class II distortion creates doubling that varies in direction and magnitude across different areas of the design. Obverse die markers provide precise attribution points: two die gouges sit between T and Y of LIBERTY, a die gouge appears below R of LIBERTY, and a die scratch connects the N of IN to the G of GOD. The reverse exhibits a die scratch through VE of FIVE and Type II steps on Monticello. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1939 WDDO-011, this variety was identified by Brian A. Ribar, whose systematic examination of early Jefferson Nickel dates has expanded the variety catalog considerably. Philadelphia struck 120,627,535 nickels in 1939, a substantial output that provided ample material for variety hunters. The combination of Class II doubling on major legend elements makes WDDO-011 identifiable at moderate magnification, and the multiple die gouges between LIBERTY letters offer quick confirmation without needing to assess the doubling characteristics themselves.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1939 WDDO-011
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References