1945 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-004

Description

Classified as Class II Distorted Hub Doubling, this 1945 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel was struck in the wartime silver alloy (35% silver, 56% copper, 9% manganese) and preserves a very close spread on UNITED STATES on the reverse — tight enough to require careful examination to distinguish from die deterioration doubling. Class II doubling results from a distortion in the hub, producing a spread pattern that does not follow simple rotational geometry. Die markers support attribution: the obverse carries a chip on the E of WE, while the reverse shows gouges toward UNUM from Monticello's roof and a gouge dot at one of the windows. The large P above the dome identifies this as a wartime issue, and 1945 marks the final year of silver-alloy composition — regular nickel alloy resumed in 1946. Philadelphia struck over 119 million nickels in 1945, and the silver content gives these coins intrinsic bullion value beyond numismatic interest. Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1945 5c WDDR-004, this variety documents one of the last doubled dies on wartime alloy.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die chip on upper right portion of E of WE.
• Reverse: Strong die gouges north from right side of roof toward UNUM; die gouge (dot) to upper right of small right window.

External References