1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-012

Description

Struck during the inaugural year of the Jefferson Nickel series, this 1938 WDDR-012 exhibits Class II Distorted Hub Doubling. Close Class II doubling shows on URIBUS and UNUM on the reverse, where the hub distortion created subtle but measurable displacement on these portions of the E PLURIBUS UNUM motto. Die markers on the obverse include a slanted die scratch below LIB of LIBERTY at the back of Jefferson's head and a wavy die gouge above the numeral 9 of the date. On the reverse, a small die gouge appears inside the left lower portion of the M of UNUM. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1938 WDDR-012. Attributed by Brian A. Ribar. Felix Schlag's winning design, selected from a public competition, introduced both the Jefferson portrait obverse and the Monticello reverse in 1938. Varieties from this first-year issue hold particular significance for Jefferson Nickel specialists, as they document the condition and behavior of the earliest dies produced for this long-running series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1938 WDDR-012
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References