1930 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008

Description

James Earle Fraser's Buffalo nickel obverse — a composite portrait based on three Native American models (Iron Tail, Two Moons, and John Big Tree) — received a Class VI doubled hub impression on this 1930 Philadelphia die, producing WDDO-008 with spread toward the center on LIBERTY and the date. Class VI doubling results from distortion during the die manufacturing process, producing a characteristic center-directed displacement that differs from the rotational or pivoted patterns of other classes. A die scratch running from the center of the B southeast to the E of LIBERTY provides the primary obverse die marker, while no reverse markers were noted. The Wexler Team assigned Wexler Variety ID: 1930 5¢ WDDO-008, with no other known cross-references. Philadelphia struck approximately 22.8 million Buffalo nickels in 1930, a moderate mintage that fell within the general decline of production numbers as the series approached its final years. The center-directed spread on LIBERTY and the date creates a subtle compression effect where the affected letters and numerals appear slightly narrower or shifted inward compared to standard examples — a visual characteristic that can be mistaken for die wear or strike quality variation by inexperienced examiners. The die scratch from B to E of LIBERTY provides essential attribution confirmation, as this specific scratch pattern is unique to the working die that received the doubled hub impression. Collectors should note that WDDO-008 represents the eighth cataloged obverse doubled die for 1930, reflecting systematic documentation efforts across this moderately scarce date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Ed Hock Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1930 5¢ WDDO-008
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References