1939 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-010

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar, this 1939 Philadelphia Mint Jefferson Nickel exhibits combined Class II Distorted Hub and Class VI Distended Hub Doubling on LIBERTY, the star, and IN GOD WE TRUST. The compound classification indicates two distinct displacement mechanisms acted together during die preparation, producing a doubling pattern with characteristics of both rotational distortion and radial expansion. Die scratches below the digits 39 and from the G of GOD provide obverse die markers, while the reverse carries die scratches above both the left and right porches of Monticello. This coin pairs with the Reverse of 1940 — a modified version of Felix Schlag's original 1938 design featuring redesigned Type II steps on Monticello, distinguishing it from the Type I steps used only in 1938. Cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1939 WDDO-010, this variety documents hub doubling from the Jefferson Nickel's second year of production, when the transition to the updated reverse design created additional die variety opportunities for researchers.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1939 WDDO-010
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References