1940-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-004

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar, this 1940-S Jefferson Nickel WDDR-004 is a Class II (Distorted Hub Doubling) variety showing its primary spread on FIVE CENTS and the LLO of MONTICELLO, with slight additional doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM. Class II doubling results from a distorted or tilted hub being impressed into the working die, creating displacement that varies in direction and intensity across different areas of the design — distinct from the uniform directional shift characteristic of Class I (Rotated Hub Doubling). The obverse carries a diagnostic die chip in the upper portion of the 4 in the date, while the reverse shows a small die dot above the right side of the Monticello building. These die markers allow confident attribution even on worn specimens where the doubling itself may be difficult to resolve. The 1940-S Jefferson Nickel dates from the early years of the series, with San Francisco production representing a smaller portion of total nickel output compared to Philadelphia and Denver. Attributed under the Wexler variety designation 1940-S WDDR-004, this variety rewards examination of FIVE CENTS and the LLO portion of MONTICELLO for the Class II spread pattern, with the die chip in the 4 and the die dot above the building providing reliable secondary confirmation.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1940-S WDDR-004
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References