1946-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler, this 1946-S Jefferson Nickel WDDO-005 displays Class II close doubling on the letters IN GOD. The 1946-S holds a special place in the Jefferson series as the first San Francisco issue struck in the standard copper-nickel alloy following the wartime silver composition used from 1942 through 1945. With the return to peacetime production, the large mintmark above Monticello's dome was abandoned in favor of the small S placed to the right of the building on the reverse. Class II close doubling produces tight spread that requires magnification to observe, with the displacement on IN GOD providing the primary diagnostic for this variety. Die markers documented for the die marriage offer additional confirmation points beyond the doubling itself. Felix Schlag's original left-facing Jefferson bust served as the obverse design, and the 1946-S mintage was relatively modest compared to Philadelphia production, giving San Francisco issues from this transitional year added appeal. Variety collectors tracking the early postwar Jefferson Nickel series find WDDO-005 noteworthy as a Class II specimen from the first year back on standard alloy.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1946-S WDDO-005
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References