1946-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-004

Description

Struck at Denver in the first year following World War II, this Jefferson Nickel marks the return to standard 75% copper, 25% nickel composition after four years of wartime 35% silver alloy production. Class II, Distorted Hub Doubling. Nice Class II doubling shows on E PLURIBUS UNUM and spreads across additional reverse lettering, providing clear diagnostics under moderate magnification. Die markers include a slanted die scratch between the U and N of UNITED and a weaker die scratch above the C of CENTS — secondary identifiers confirming the specific working die. The transition from silver "war nickel" planchets back to standard copper-nickel alloy in 1946 required recalibration of striking pressures and die hardness specifications, and this changeover may have contributed to die quality variations during the adjustment period. Fourth in the WDDR sequence for 1946-D, this variety demonstrates that multiple doubled die reverses were produced from Denver's nickel dies in this transitional year. Felix Schlag's Monticello reverse provides the canvas for the doubling.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Slanted die scratch between U and N of UNITED; weak die scratch above C of CENTS.

External References