1940-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002

Description

Class II hub doubling — a distorted hub rotation producing design element spread toward the center — appears on the reverse of this 1940-D Mercury Dime, with the spread visible on STATES OF, the top of the olive branch, and the top of the fasces (the bound bundle of rods and axe that symbolized Roman authority). Designated WDDR-002 by the Wexler Team, the variety shows no significant obverse markers, while the reverse carries a diagnostic die scratch running from the lower fasces through the ribbon to the upper D of DIME. Adolph Weinman's "Winged Liberty Head" design — popularly called the Mercury Dime despite depicting Liberty with a winged Phrygian cap symbolizing freedom of thought, not the Roman god Mercury — features one of the most elegant reverse compositions in American coinage. The fasces, historically representing strength through unity, is bound with the olive branch of peace — and the Class II doubling affects both of these symbolic elements. Denver struck Mercury Dimes during the penultimate era of the design, which ran from 1916 through 1945. Struck in 90% silver at 17.9mm. Look for the center-pulling spread on STATES OF and the upper elements of the fasces, and confirm with the die scratch running from the lower fasces through the ribbon to the D in DIME.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1940-D 10¢ WDDR-002
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References