1942 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-009

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1942 WDDR-009, this Jefferson Nickel doubled die reverse shows Class II distorted hub doubling on UNUM and the upper right corner of Monticello's roof — a localized doubling pattern affecting both the motto and an architectural detail of the building. The Type I designation indicates the primary doubling classification within the Wexler system. Die markers for attribution include a short die scratch in the field behind Jefferson's head, positioned below the B of LIBERTY on the obverse, while no notable reverse markers have been recorded. The 1942 Jefferson Nickel holds transitional significance: partway through the year, the Mint began striking nickels in the wartime silver alloy (56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese) to conserve nickel for military use, and the attribution of WDDR-009 as a standard-composition coin versus a wartime-alloy coin determines which production phase generated this die. Class II distorted hub doubling on the upper right corner of Monticello's roof indicates that the hub distortion concentrated its effect on the architectural details of Jefferson's estate, where the angular roof lines would register even minor displacement as visible doubling. Brian A. Ribar's systematic documentation of Jefferson Nickel doubled dies has produced one of the most comprehensive catalogs in the die variety hobby, and this ninth entry for 1942 demonstrates the density of his research across pre-war and wartime dates. The combination of a motto element (UNUM) and an architectural element (roof corner) affected by the same Class II distortion provides multiple confirmation points for attribution.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1942 WDDR-009
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References