1948 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Cataloged as the primary doubled die obverse for the 1948 Jefferson Nickel, WDDO-001 was attributed by Whaden Curtis as a Class V pivoted hub variety. The doubling manifests as a counterclockwise spread on LIBERTY, the star between the date and motto, and the date digits themselves. Class V pivoted hub doubling occurs when the working hub rotates slightly around a fixed pivot point during the impression process, producing a curved displacement that increases with distance from the pivot. Obverse die markers include a short die gouge from the right side of the L in LIBERTY, die gouges in and around the B of LIBERTY, and a die gouge on the left side of the G in GOD. On the reverse, a die dot sits between the I and V of FIVE, and a long slanted die scratch extends below CENTS. Philadelphia struck nearly 90 million nickels in 1948, providing a large population for variety hunters to search. The counterclockwise spread affecting multiple obverse elements makes WDDO-001 identifiable under moderate magnification, with LIBERTY serving as the most accessible area for initial detection.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Whaden Curtis
• Wexler Variety ID: 1948 WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Whaden Curtis

External References