1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-011

Description

Class II distorted hub doubling on the debut year of the Jefferson Nickel, with specific die markers on both obverse and reverse, characterizes this eleventh Wexler-cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1938 Philadelphia Mint issue. Die markers include a slanted die scratch in the field near the rim to the right of Jefferson's queue (ponytail) on the obverse, and on the reverse, a slanted die scratch from the top right side of the S in PLURIBUS plus a die dot below the right side of the M in MONTICELLO. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1938 WDDO-011, this variety was documented by Brian A. Ribar. The 1938 Jefferson Nickel holds special significance as the series' inaugural year — Felix Schlag won a public design competition to create the new nickel, replacing the iconic Buffalo/Indian Head design that had been in use since 1913. Class II distorted hub doubling occurs when the working hub distorts under pressure during the hubbing process, creating a design spread that emanates from the center. First-year-of-issue varieties carry inherent collector interest because they document the die production learning curve for a new design — hubs and dies were being prepared for the first time with Schlag's new portrait and Monticello reverse. Philadelphia struck over 19.5 million 1938 nickels, establishing the baseline production for a series that would continue through the present day. Eleven documented Wexler doubled die obverses for the inaugural year reflects thorough examination of this historically significant date.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1938 WDDO-011
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References