1940-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

Classified as Class II distorted hub doubling with spread directed toward the center, the 1940-D Mercury Dime WDDR-003 displays secondary contours on STATES OF, the upper right olive branch and leaves, the top of the axe, and the bottom of the fasces on Adolph A. Weinman's reverse. Class II doubling arises from physical distortion of the working hub between impressions, and the centerward spread pulls design elements inward, creating non-uniform displacement that varies by location on the die face. The fasces — a bundle of rods bound around an axe, borrowed from Roman iconography to symbolize national authority — serves as the reverse's central motif, and the doubling on both the fasces bottom and axe top provides two closely spaced attribution points on the same vertical axis. The flanking olive branches, symbolizing peace, carry doubling on the upper right section where the leaves meet the branch stems. No significant obverse or reverse die markers have been noted, making the doubling itself the primary identification feature. The 1940-D Denver Mint Mercury Dime is a common date struck in 90% silver at 2.50 grams. Cataloged by the Wexler Team with no known cross-references. Examine STATES OF for the centerward spread, then check the fasces bottom, axe top, and upper right branch leaves for companion doubling.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1940-D 10¢ WDDR-003
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References