1939-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Cataloged by VarietyVista as a Class V pivoted hub doubling variety, this first documented doubled die obverse for the 1939 Denver Mint Jefferson Nickel exhibits a clockwise spread from a pivot point at ten o'clock. The pivotal rotation shows on LIBERTY, the star, the date, the ribbon, and IN, with the spread radiating outward from the pivot point in a pattern characteristic of Class V doubling where the hub rotated slightly between impressions. This variety belongs to the Reverse of 1938 subtype of the 1939 Jefferson Nickel, distinguishing it from the Reverse of 1940 specimens that carry a different reverse hub. Obverse die markers include a die scratch running east-southeast from the lower left of the E of LIBERTY, another from the upper half of the T to the Y of LIBERTY, and circular die scratches through Jefferson's hair and forehead. The reverse shows a short diagonal die scratch just southeast of the C of MONTICELLO, with Type I steps identified. The 1939-D with Reverse of 1938 is a key early Jefferson Nickel subtype, and the clockwise pivotal doubling creates a visually distinctive variety that affects multiple design elements across the obverse.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die scratch ESE from lower left of E of LIBERTY; die scratch from upper half of T to Y of LIBERTY; circular die scratches through Jefferson's hair and forehead.
• Reverse: Short diagonal die scratch just southeast of C of MONTICELLO.  Type I steps.

External References