1940-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001

Description

Center-directed spread on the date, designer's initials, and slightly on IN GOD WE TRUST distinguishes this first Wexler-cataloged doubled die obverse for the 1940 San Francisco Mint Mercury Dime. Adolph Weinman's initials, located near the truncation of Liberty's neck, carry the doubling alongside the date — a combination affecting both designer attribution and chronological markings. Attributed by the Wexler Team under Wexler Variety ID 1940-S 10c WDDO-001, the reverse provides the most distinctive die markers: a die scratch running east-southeast from the S in PLURIBUS to the right star, plus rim cuds above ITED in UNITED and above STA in STATES. The rim cuds are independently notable — these small die breaks along the rim indicate a die under stress, and their presence alongside the obverse doubling creates a die pair with significant features on both sides. The 1940-S Mercury Dime was struck in 90% silver at San Francisco during the final years before World War II would reshape American coinage production. Reverse rim cuds combined with obverse hub doubling make this a dual-interest variety for collectors pursuing both error types and doubled die attributions.

Attribution History

• Discovered by John A. Wexler Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1940-S 10¢ WDDO-001
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References