1941-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-004

Description

Exhibiting very close Class II distorted hub doubling on E PLURIBUS UNUM and slightly on UNITED, this 1941 San Francisco Mint Jefferson Nickel represents an early-series doubled die from the fourth year of Felix Schlag's design. Class II doubling results from a distorted hub where the master die carried a slight deformation, producing doubling on every die made from that hub. The very close spread means the doubled image sits extremely near the primary design, requiring careful examination to separate impressions. Multiple die markers confirm attribution: die scratches above CENTS, die gouges inside the lower left arch of Monticello, a die scratch inside the small right window, die scratches above FIVE, and a die scratch from U of UNITED to the left base of the building. Attributed by Brian A. Ribar under Wexler Variety ID 1941-S WDDR-004, this variety documents die-making conditions as the United States neared entry into World War II. Within two years, the Jefferson Nickel would shift to wartime silver alloy, making pre-war San Francisco issues part of a distinct production chapter.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1941-S WDDR-004
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References