1940 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-004

Description

Carrying the strongest doubling classification among the known 1940 Philadelphia doubled die obverses, DDO-004 exhibits strong extra thickness on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the five-pointed star, and the date. Die markers UVC-647 and DMR-010 fingerprint this working die. The "strong extra thickness" designation represents the upper end of the near-coincident doubling spectrum — the secondary hub impression broadened every affected design element to a degree readily apparent at low magnification, producing noticeably heavier letter strokes, a visibly wider star, and thickened date numerals compared to a normal 1940 specimen. Strong intensity on an extra thickness variety is particularly uncommon: most near-coincident hub impressions produce light or medium thickening, while strong results typically require a displacement magnitude that would more often create separated spread rather than uniform broadening. The 1940 Jefferson Nickel was only the third year of production since the series replaced the Buffalo Nickel in 1938, and early-date Jefferson varieties carry enhanced interest among specialists building comprehensive collections of the series' formative years. Struck in standard copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) at the Philadelphia Mint without a mintmark, this coin's strong thickening across all four obverse elements makes DDO-004 the most visually dramatic obverse variety for the date.

Die Markers

• UVC-647; DMR-010

External References