1946-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004

Description

Exhibiting Class II distorted hub doubling on the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," the 1946-S Jefferson Nickel WDDO-004 represents a hub doubling variety produced through the warping or distortion of the working hub between die impressions. Class II doubling — sometimes called "distorted hub doubling" — occurs when the hub develops subtle changes in shape due to metal fatigue or uneven hardening, causing successive impressions to differ slightly from each other. Unlike rotational Class I spreads, Class II doubling produces a more irregular separation pattern that can vary across different areas of the design. The obverse die carries distinctive markers: die scratches near the rim above the D of "GOD" and the W of "WE," plus two strong die scratches in front of Jefferson's forehead — features that serve as reliable attribution points independent of the doubling itself. On the reverse, a die dot positioned to the lower left of the P in "PLURIBUS" provides additional confirmation. The 1946-S nickel marked the return to the pre-war Jefferson design after the wartime silver "war nickels" of 1942-1945, which carried a large mintmark above Monticello's dome. San Francisco struck 13,560,000 regular-composition nickels in 1946, resuming the standard 75% copper, 25% nickel alloy. The close nature of the Class II spread on "IN GOD WE TRUST" requires magnification for reliable detection, making this a variety that rewards patient examination with a quality loupe or stereo microscope.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die scratches near rim above D of GOD and W of WE; two strong die scratches in front of Jefferson's forehead.
• Reverse: Die dot to lower left of P of PLURIBUS.

External References