1939 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-023

Description

Class II distorted hub doubling on this 1939 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel shows progressive spread across E PLURIBUS UNUM, increasing in intensity from left to right, with additional doubling visible on CENTS and on LO of MONTICELLO. The variety displays Type II steps — a specific grading designation for the Monticello staircase detail that indicates five fully struck steps, a feature highly prized by Jefferson Nickel collectors. The parent listing, "1939 Jefferson Nickel - Doubled Monticello," places this coin within a recognized family of doubled reverse varieties for this early date in the series. Die markers include die scratches above and inside the first O of MONTICELLO on the reverse, while no obverse markers have been noted. Class II hub doubling — also called distorted hub doubling — occurs when the hub or die distorts during the hubbing process, producing doubling that typically shows as spread or distortion rather than the sharp secondary image of Class I rotated doubling. The 1939 Jefferson Nickel was produced during the second year of Felix Schlag's design, and Type II steps examples from this early date are scarce. Cataloged as WDDR-023.

Die Markers

• Obverse: None noted.
• Reverse: Die scratches above and inside first O of MONTICELLO.  Type II steps.

External References