1946-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006

Description

Attributed by John A. Wexler, the founder of the modern doubled die attribution system that bears his name, the 1946-S WDDO-006 is a San Francisco Mint Jefferson nickel displaying close Class II distorted hub doubling on LIBERTY, the star, and the date. Wexler's pioneering work in cataloging and classifying doubled dies established the framework used by the entire variety coin community today. The obverse carries strong die scratches extending from Jefferson's chin, with an additional strong die scratch below the Y of LIBERTY, the star, and the 1 of the date. On the reverse, a series of die scratches appears in the left arch, along with die scratches inside the lower portion of the small right window. This variety is cataloged under Wexler designation 1946-S WDDO-006. Post-war San Francisco Mint nickels were produced in moderate quantities as the facility transitioned from its wartime role, and the close doubling on multiple obverse elements reflects the precision standards of die preparation during this transitional production period.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1946-S WDDO-006
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References