1946-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cataloged as Wexler Variety ID 1946-D WDDR-006, this Jefferson Nickel reverse die produces Class II distorted hub doubling affecting three major reverse inscription groups: E PLURIBUS UNUM, STATES OF AMERICA, and CENTS. The triple-inscription involvement — spanning the motto above Monticello, the national identification at the top, and the denomination below — indicates a hub tilt that generated detectable distortion across a wide arc of the reverse die face rather than concentrating in a single zone. Obverse die markers are minimal: a die scratch below LIB of LIBERTY represents the sole documented obverse diagnostic, requiring careful examination of the lower field beneath the first three letters of the inscription. The reverse, however, carries an abundance of identifying marks that collectively create a robust attribution toolkit. Many die gouges cluster around ME of AMERICA, representing concentrated surface damage in a small area of the national inscription. A series of die scratches passes through and below LLO of MONTICELLO, affecting the architectural name at the building's base. And a series of die gouges sits to the right of the M of UNUM, providing a third reverse attribution zone. The density of reverse die markers — gouges near AMERICA, scratches at MONTICELLO, and gouges by UNUM — suggests this particular working die received rough handling or accumulated significant tool marks during preparation, leaving a distinctive constellation of surface features that make the die readily identifiable. Struck at the Denver Mint in 75% copper / 25% nickel at 5 grams, the 1946-D Jefferson Nickel was part of the first full year of post-war production after the wartime silver alloy period ended with the 1945 issues. Examination under 7x magnification should target the Class II spread on E PLURIBUS UNUM first, then confirm with the multiple reverse die markers.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1946-D WDDR-006
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References