1939 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-015

Description

Combined Class II (Distorted Hub) and Class VI (Distended Hub) doubling on the 1939 Jefferson Nickel reverse, attributed by John A. Wexler himself under Wexler Variety ID: 1939 WDDR-015. Strong extra thickness appears on E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and FIVE CENTS, with separation lines visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM and FIVE CENTS — indicating the doubling is strong enough to produce distinct, separable outlines rather than mere extra thickness. Obverse die markers include parallel die gouges inside the upper portion of the E in LIBERTY. The reverse shows a diagonal die scratch inside the upper M of MONTICELLO, along with Type II steps — a step configuration detail specific to certain Monticello dies. The dual classification (II + VI) indicates the hub underwent both geometric distortion and dimensional expansion between impressions, producing a complex doubling pattern that combines characteristics of both classes. The 1939 Jefferson Nickel represents the second year of the series, when dies were still being refined for the new design by Felix Schlag. Personal attribution by John Wexler adds provenance significance to this variety.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler
• Wexler Variety ID: 1939 WDDR-015
• Expert attribution by John A. Wexler

External References