1944-S Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002

Description

Distributed broadly across four obverse elements, DDO-002 on the 1944-S wartime Jefferson Nickel presents light extra thickness on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, the five-pointed star, and the date. Die markers UVC-778 and DMR-006 confirm this working die. The "extra thickness" classification — as distinct from spread — indicates the secondary hub impression landed nearly coincident with the primary, broadening the letter strokes and design features without producing clearly separated secondary images. This near-coincident doubling is best detected by comparing the width of letter strokes against a known normal specimen, particularly on the vertical elements of LIBERTY and the fine serifs within IN GOD WE TRUST. The 1944-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint in the wartime silver alloy (35% silver, 56% copper, 9% manganese), bearing the large S mintmark above Monticello's dome rather than in the standard small position to the right of the building. San Francisco's wartime nickel production was substantial, generating numerous working dies and corresponding opportunities for hub doubling events. The silver alloy gives these coins a distinctive grayish tone and places them among the few circulating United States five-cent pieces to contain precious metal. Examination under 7x magnification with raking light best reveals the subtle stroke broadening across all four affected areas.

Die Markers

• UVC-778; DMR-006

External References