1940 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001

Description

First cataloged doubled die reverse for the 1940 Philadelphia Mint Mercury Dime — properly the Winged Liberty Head, designed by Adolph Weinman — this variety shows spread toward the center on STATES OF, the top of the fasces, the top of the axe, and the upper leaves, with extra thickness on E PLURIBUS UNUM. The fasces (a bundle of rods bound around an axe) is the defining reverse element of Weinman's design, and doubling visible on both the fasces and axe creates compelling visual interest on one of American coinage's most celebrated motifs. Attributed by the Wexler Team under Wexler Variety ID 1940 10c WDDR-001, the -001 suffix marks this as the first documented DDR for the date. Die markers on the reverse include die scratches running north-south to the left of the upper portion of the first U in UNUM, while no significant obverse markers are noted. The center-directed spread pattern — where design elements appear pushed inward — helps classify the doubling mechanism. As a 90% silver dime from the pre-war era, the 1940 Mercury Dime is both affordable and historically appealing, with die varieties adding depth to this accessible type.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Whaden Curtis Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1940 10¢ WDDR-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References