1945 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-009

Description

Close Class II Distorted Hub Doubling visible on OF AMERICA characterizes WDDR-009, the ninth cataloged doubled die reverse on the 1945 Philadelphia Jefferson Nickel. Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse, in its seventh year of production by 1945, received the misaligned hub impression that created this variety during the die manufacturing process at the Philadelphia Mint. Obverse die markers include die gouges below BER of LIBERTY and die gouges in Jefferson's hair to the upper right of his ear — secondary diagnostics that distinguish this particular die from others in the 1945-P catalog. The reverse of this die is also listed as RPM 1945-P 5c WRPM-011, making this a combined DDR/RPM die that carries dual variety interest. Additional reverse markers include a slanted die scratch between E of FIVE and C of CENTS, and another slanted die scratch through the I of FIVE, providing multiple confirmatory attribution points. Class II Distorted Hub Doubling occurs when the hub flexes or distorts slightly during impression, creating uneven displacement across the die surface rather than the uniform shift seen in Class I varieties. The "close" characterization indicates the doubling separation is minimal, requiring careful examination under magnification to distinguish from die deterioration. Philadelphia struck wartime composition Jefferson Nickels in 1945 using the 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese alloy introduced in 1942 to conserve nickel for military applications.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die gouges below BER of LIBERTY; die gouges in Jefferson's hair to upper right of his ear.
• Reverse: The reverse is an RPM listed as 1945-P 5c WRPM-011.  Slanted die scratch between E of FIVE and C of CENTS; slanted die scratch through I of FIVE.

External References