1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002

Description

Marking the very first year of the Jefferson Nickel series, this 1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002 exhibits a visually appealing set of die markers that aid attribution. On the obverse, a die scratch connects the lower portions of the B and E in LIBERTY, and a small die gouge — appearing as a raised dot — sits to the lower left of Jefferson's collar. The reverse carries a long, slanted die scratch above CENTS. The doubling itself manifests as a misalignment incurred during the hubbing of the obverse die, producing shifted design elements consistent with the WDDO designation. As the debut year for the Felix Schlag design, 1938 Jefferson Nickels attract collector interest beyond their variety status, and the die markers on WDDO-002 provide clear, repeatable identification points that set it apart within the early Jefferson Nickel doubled die census.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die scratch connecting lower portions of BE of LIBERTY; die gouge (dot) to lower left of Jefferson's collar.
• Reverse: Long slanted die scratch above CENTS.

External References