1940-S Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1940-S WDDR-006, this early Jefferson Nickel doubled die reverse exhibits Class II distorted hub doubling visible on FIVE CENTS, AMERICA, and the LLO of MONTICELLO. Class II doubling arises from slight distortion of the working hub between successive impressions during die manufacture — rather than a rotational or lateral shift, the hub itself deforms microscopically under the enormous pressure of the hubbing press, producing a consistent spread pattern across the affected design areas. Doubling across three separate reverse elements — the denomination, the national identity, and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello estate — indicates the hub distortion was sufficient to affect widely separated areas of the design simultaneously. Die markers for attribution include obverse diagnostics: a die scratch above IN GOD WE and a die chip in the numeral 4 of the date. The reverse carries a die dot to the lower left of the S in CENTS. The 1940-S Jefferson Nickel was the third year of San Francisco production for this design type, struck during the last full year before America's entry into World War II would fundamentally alter Mint operations and nickel alloy composition. San Francisco's production of Jefferson Nickels in 1940 was modest compared to Philadelphia, generating fewer die pairs and making varieties from this mint proportionally scarcer in the broader population. Brian A. Ribar's documentation of this variety reflects the specialized research he has conducted across the Jefferson Nickel series, systematically cataloging doubled die varieties with Class-level attribution and detailed die marker data that enables confident identification by collectors.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1940-S WDDR-006
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References