1930 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005

Description

Fifth in the Wexler DDO catalog for the 1930 Philadelphia Buffalo Nickel, WDDO-005 presents a close spread to the south on the top of the 3 and 0 in the date — a precise diagnostic confining visible displacement to just two digits of James Earle Fraser's obverse. The southward direction means secondary hub impressions appear below the primary contours of the numeral tops, creating subtle shadow lines visible under magnification. A reverse die marker strengthens the attribution: a die crack runs through the base of the mound on which the American bison stands, tracing a line across the raised-earth platform forming the lower portion of Fraser's reverse. This crack provides an independent confirmation checkpoint, and its progressive development across die states may help establish the relative position of individual specimens within the die's working life. Cross-referenced to Wexler Variety ID 1930 5-cent WDDO-005. No significant obverse markers have been noted. The 1930 Buffalo Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint in copper-nickel composition (75% copper, 25% nickel) at 5.0 grams. Examine the tops of 3 and 0 under 10x magnification for subtle southward displacement.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Leroy Van Allen Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1930 5¢ WDDO-005
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References