1942 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1942 WDDR-006, this Jefferson Nickel doubled die reverse exhibits Class II distorted hub doubling visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM, with the strongest expression on the word UNUM. Class II doubling results from hub distortion during the die-making process — rather than a misalignment between hub and die (Class I), the hub itself contains slight distortions that transfer to the working die, creating subtle spread that affects portions of the design in characteristic patterns. The Type II designation further classifies the doubling's visual character within the Brian Ribar attribution system used for Jefferson Nickel varieties. This is a silver-composition wartime nickel — from 1942 through 1945, the United States Mint struck Jefferson Nickels in a 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese alloy to conserve nickel for the war effort, making these "war nickels" distinctive both metallurgically and numismatically. Die markers include a die gouge near the rim above the letters LU of PLURIBUS on the reverse, while the obverse shows no noted markers. An additional cross-reference ties this die to WRPM-004/RPM#9 P/P West, indicating the obverse die also carries a repunched mintmark variety with the large wartime P mintmark punched over a previous P position to the west — a combined variety that significantly enhances collector interest. Doubled dies paired with repunched mintmarks on wartime silver nickels represent a convergence of multiple variety types that appeals to specialists across several collecting disciplines simultaneously.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1942 WDDR-006
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References