1939 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-012

Description

Exhibiting Class II distorted hub doubling, this 1939 proof Jefferson Nickel doubled die reverse shows a spread toward the rim on E PLURIBUS UNUM, the Latin motto that appears above the dome of Monticello on Felix Schlag's reverse design. Class II doubling results from a tilted hub during the die-making process, producing a spread pattern that radiates outward from a pivot point. Die markers offer precise attribution: on the reverse, a diagonal die scratch appears between the two right windows, with two additional die scratches running south from the roof area northwest of the small right window. The steps are identified as Type I — a diagnostic feature in Jefferson Nickel collecting that refers to the number and clarity of the steps on Monticello's entrance. Significantly, the obverse is listed as 1939 Pr 5c WDDO-007, establishing a die marriage between this doubled reverse and a separately documented doubled obverse — making coins from this die pair doubly interesting as they carry hub doubling on both sides. The 1939 proof Jefferson Nickel was produced at the Philadelphia Mint during only the second year of the series, which had debuted in 1938 when Felix Schlag's design won a public competition to replace the Buffalo Nickel. Proof production in 1939 was limited compared to later decades, making proof varieties from this early date particularly appealing to specialists. The twelfth documented DDR for the 1939 date demonstrates remarkable depth of research into the earliest proof Jefferson Nickels, where careful die-by-die examination has uncovered a wealth of hub doubling varieties.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Listed as 1939 Pr 5c WDDO-007.
• Reverse: Diagonal die scratch between two right windows; two die scratches south from roof NNW of small right window.  Type I steps.

External References