1939 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-025

Description

Bearing the Reverse of 1940 design type, this 1939 Jefferson nickel preserves a notable Class II Distorted Hub Doubling on UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and FIVE CENTS. Class II doubling results from the working hub being slightly distorted or tilted during the hubbing process, producing a spread pattern that varies in direction and magnitude across different areas of the design rather than showing uniform displacement. Nice Class II doubling of this kind appears on the major reverse legends where letter thickness and edge definition reveal the secondary impression. Type II steps on Monticello provide an additional attribution anchor. Die markers include a die gouge to the right of the S in TRUST, a die scratch above the right arch of Monticello, and scratches above the porches — features specific to this working die that distinguish WDDR-025 from other doubled die reverses in the 1939 catalog. The 1939 Jefferson nickel was produced with two distinct reverse types — the Reverse of 1938 and the Reverse of 1940 — and this variety falls on the latter type, which features slightly different spacing and detail in Monticello's architectural elements. Cross-referenced as Wexler 1939 WDDR-025.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1939 WDDR-025
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References