1940-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

Cataloged as Class II Distorted Hub Doubling, the 1940-S Jefferson Nickel WDDR-003 shows its secondary impression on FIVE CENTS and the LLO of MONTICELLO on the reverse. Class II doubling results from a tilted or distorted hub during die sinking, producing spread that varies in strength across the die face rather than following a uniform rotational vector. The affected elements sit in the lower portion of the reverse, where the hub distortion concentrated its displacement. The San Francisco Mint struck Jefferson Nickels from the series' debut in 1938, and early S-mint issues are well-collected due to their lower mintages relative to Philadelphia. Obverse die markers include a series of die gouges in Jefferson's hair at the top of his head and just above his forehead. Reverse diagnostics are equally distinctive: heavy die scratches above the right side of the building, and two slanted die scratches between the two L's of MONTICELLO. These paired obverse and reverse markers make attribution straightforward even on well-circulated examples where the Class II doubling may be softened by wear.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Series of die gouges in Jefferson's hair at top of his head and just above his forehead.
• Reverse: Heavy die scratches above right side of building; two slanted die scratches between L and L of MONTICELLO.

External References