1940-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003

Description

Third doubled die obverse for the 1940-D Jefferson Nickel, WDDO-003 exhibits a combination of Class II (Distorted Hub) and Class V (Pivoted Hub) doubling visible on TRUST and LIBERTY. The dual-class designation indicates a complex hub alignment error where the hub was simultaneously distorted and pivoted relative to the die during the hubbing process, creating a doubling pattern that cannot be explained by simple lateral or vertical displacement alone. Die markers include a die scratch through the O of GOD on the obverse and die scratches below UNI of UNITED on the reverse, along with a slanted die scratch between the lower portions of F and I in FIVE. An additional notation — "Possible D/D Northeast" — suggests that this same die may also carry a repunched mintmark, though this attribution remains tentative pending further confirmation. The 1940-D Jefferson Nickel was produced at the Denver Mint with a mintage of 43,540,000 coins during the third year of the Jefferson design, when Felix Schlag's portrait of the third president and depiction of Monticello were still relatively new in production. The close Class II and V combination creates tight, overlapping doubling on the affected letters that requires careful magnification to fully resolve, distinguishing it from the broader spreads characteristic of single-class doubling events. If the possible D/D northeast repunched mintmark is confirmed, this die would carry three attributable varieties — doubled die obverse, pivoted hub doubling, and repunched mintmark — making it an exceptionally complex die marriage for the pre-war Jefferson Nickel series. Documented by the Wexler Team.

Die Markers

• Obverse: Die scratch through O of GOD.
• Reverse: Die scratches below UNI of UNITED; slanted die scratch between lower portions of F and I of FIVE.  Possible D/D Northeast.

External References