1941 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Whaden Curtis attributed this Jefferson nickel, establishing it as Wexler Variety ID 1941 WDDO-001 under the Class V, Pivoted Hub Doubling classification. The pivot point sits at approximately 11 o'clock on the die face, generating a close clockwise spread that manifests on the star, the date, and the letters IN GOD. Class V doubling occurs when the hub rotates slightly around a fixed pivot point between impressions during the die-sinking process, creating a spread that increases in magnitude proportional to the distance from the pivot. Features nearest to the 11 o'clock position show the least displacement, while elements diametrically opposite show the greatest. The obverse carries distinctive die markers: a curved die gouge in the field to the left of the front of Jefferson's collar, and slanted die scratches extending southwest from his nose. On the reverse, a slanted die scratch appears to the lower right of the small right window on Monticello, and a die gouge sits to the upper left of the first A of AMERICA. The 1941 Philadelphia Jefferson nickel had a mintage of 203.265 million pieces. As WDDO-001, this is the premier doubled die obverse for the date, and Curtis's attribution work on the pivoted hub mechanism provides a textbook example of Class V geometry in the Jefferson nickel series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Whaden Curtis
• Wexler Variety ID: 1941 WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Whaden Curtis

External References