1940-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team as WDDO-001 for the 1940-D Mercury Dime, this doubled die obverse displays Class II doubling — distorted hub doubling — with the spread directed toward the center. Class II doubling occurs when the working hub is slightly tilted during one of the multiple impressions needed to sink the design into the working die, producing a spread that radiates from a pivot point rather than showing uniform displacement. The doubling manifests on the date numerals and to a lesser degree on IN GOD WE TRUST, with the central convergence characteristic of distorted hub mechanics. The reverse carries a useful die marker: a small die gouge to the left of the upper first T in STATES, providing a secondary confirmation point. Adolph Weinman's Winged Liberty Head design, struck in 90% silver at 17.9mm, depicts Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap — the wings symbolizing freedom of thought. The 1940-D was produced at Denver while Europe was already at war. Careful examination of the date reveals the centripetal spread that defines this Class II variety.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1940-D 10¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References