1940 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team as "1940 10-cent WDDO-001," this Mercury Dime exhibits a close spread towards the center on the date — a centripetal displacement where the secondary hub impression pushed date numerals inward relative to the primary image. The close intensity requires careful magnification to resolve, as the secondary contours sit nearly atop the primary numerals, producing subtle broadening rather than clearly separated digits. Obverse die markers are described as none significant, while the reverse carries distinctive die scratches running mostly east-west below the second A in AMERICA, providing an independent diagnostic for confirming the working die. Adolph Weinman's Winged Liberty design — often called the "Mercury" Dime for the obverse figure's resemblance to the Roman god — was struck in 90% silver at 2.5 grams. No cross-references to other attribution systems are known. Focus examination on the date numerals under 10x or higher magnification for the centripetal spread, then flip the coin to verify the east-west die scratches below the second A in AMERICA on the reverse.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Thomas McGowan Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1940 10¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References