1942 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007

Description

Certified PCGS Proof 65 on the examined specimen, this Class II distorted hub doubled die obverse appears on the 1942 Proof Jefferson Nickel in the Wartime Silver Alloy — the 35% silver, 56% copper, 9% manganese composition introduced to conserve nickel for World War II. Very close Class II doubling shows on RTY of LIBERTY, the star, and 19 of the date. Class II distorted hub doubling occurs when the hub is slightly distorted during hubbing, producing subtle but measurable design displacement. Proof coins in the wartime silver alloy are scarce, as 1942 was the transitional year when the new composition was adopted and proof production was limited to small collector-oriented runs at Philadelphia. Die markers on the obverse include a die scratch above BE of LIBERTY and another above the L of LIBERTY, while the reverse carries a small die dot between the I and V of FIVE. Attributed by the Wexler Team, this seventh Wexler doubled die obverse for the 1942 proof combines wartime proof scarcity with a documented Class II hub doubling — a pairing that appeals to both variety specialists and proof coin collectors.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die scratch above BE of LIBERTY; die scratch above L of LIBERTY.
• Reverse: Small die dot between I and V of FIVE.

External References