1940-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Premier doubled die obverse for the 1940-D Jefferson Nickel, this variety exhibits Class VI distended hub doubling — one of the less commonly encountered doubling classes — with nice doubling showing on LIBERTY, the star, and the date, and lesser doubling visible on IN GOD WE TRUST. Class VI doubling occurs when the hub becomes slightly distended or expanded between impressions, producing a spread that radiates outward from the center rather than following a linear or rotational path characteristic of other doubling classes. Die markers provide attribution support: a die gouge appears on the back of Jefferson's head on the obverse, while three die scratches to the left of the small semicircular window appear on the reverse Monticello design. The 1940-D Jefferson Nickel was only the third Denver Mint issue of Felix Schlag's design, which had debuted in 1938, and early-year die varieties carry particular significance as they document the production learning curve for a new design type. Denver's nickel production in 1940 was substantial as the economy continued its recovery from the Depression, and the consumption of die pairs across the year's run generated opportunities for hubbing anomalies. As WDDO-001, this variety holds the primary position among all doubled die obverses for the 1940-D date, representing the most significant obverse hubbing anomaly documented for this early Denver Mint Jefferson Nickel. Class VI distended hub doubling varieties are relatively uncommon across all denominations, making this an especially interesting attribution that combines the scarcity of the doubling class with the appeal of an early-series premier variety designation.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die gouge on back of Jefferson’s head.
• Reverse: Three die scratches to left of small semicircular window.

External References