1935 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Displaying a strong Class VI spread on LIBERTY, the 1935 Buffalo nickel WDDO-001 documents distended hub doubling on James Earle Fraser's iconic Indian Head obverse. Class VI doubling, also called distended hub doubling, occurs when the hub deforms during the impression process, stretching design elements rather than shifting them uniformly. The strong designation on LIBERTY indicates readily visible displacement that serves as the primary pickup point. Die markers on both sides support authentication. The obverse carries a short, almost horizontal die scratch in the hair just above where the two feathers form an X, plus a slanted die gouge in front of the neck. The reverse shows numerous die scratches through STATES, numerous die scratches between the front and rear legs just above the ground, and a diagonal die gouge west of the F of FIVE where the ground meets the rim. Cataloged under the Wexler designation 1935 5¢ WDDO-001, this variety places hub doubling on one of America's most beloved coin designs. The extensive die scratching on both sides suggests a well-used die pair, yet the strong LIBERTY doubling confirms the hub displacement preceded much of this wear.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Jennifer Casazza Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1935 5¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References