1940 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar, this 1940 Jefferson Nickel WDDO-007 exhibits Class V Pivoted Hub Doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST. Pivoted hub doubling occurs when the working hub rotates slightly between impressions on the working die, producing doubling that increases in spread as distance from the pivot point grows. On this variety, the motto inscription captures the rotational effect clearly, with letter separation varying across the text depending on each letter's distance from where the hub pivoted. Multiple reverse die markers aid in confirming the die marriage, providing additional attribution points beyond the obverse doubling alone. Felix Schlag's original Jefferson portrait, which won the 1938 design competition, featured a left-facing bust that served as the obverse design for decades. The 1940 Philadelphia issue came early in the Jefferson series, just two years after the design replaced the Buffalo Nickel, and early-date doubled dies from this transitional period attract collectors who appreciate both the historical significance of the new design type and the mechanical variety that hub doubling produces.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1940 WDDO-007
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References