1936 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

One of the most significant Mercury Dime doubled die varieties, the 1936 WDDO-002 exhibits a strong clockwise spread from a pivot point at approximately 12 o'clock, with the doubling prominently visible on the date, IN GOD WE TRUST, and Adolph A. Weinman's designer initials. Cataloged by the Wexler Team as 1936 10c WDDO-002 and extensively cross-referenced as CONECA 1-O-I and Cherrypickers FS-10-1936-101, this variety carries multiple independent catalog designations that reflect its status as a recognized and actively sought variety within the Mercury Dime series (1916-1945). The obverse die markers include a die gouge appearing as a dot positioned north-northeast of the designer's initials, along with a die scratch running parallel to the rim throughout the obverse — features that fingerprint this specific working die and allow attribution even before the doubling itself is examined in detail. No significant reverse die markers have been noted. The Mercury Dime, struck in 90% silver at 2.5 grams with a diameter of 17.9 mm, features Weinman's iconic obverse portrait of Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap — a design often mistaken for the Roman god Mercury, hence the popular series name. The 1936 Philadelphia issue had a mintage of 87,504,130, and the clockwise rotational spread pattern on WDDO-002 indicates a Class I (Rotated Hub Doubling) event where the hub was slightly rotated between successive impressions during the die-making process. Collectors seeking this variety should focus on the date numerals where the CW spread is most pronounced.

Attribution History

• Discovered by L & C Coins Cross References: CONECA: 1-O-I, Cherrypickers: FS-10-1936-101
• CONECA: 1-O-I, Cherrypickers: FS-10-1936-101; Wexler Variety ID: 1936 10¢ WDDO-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References