1940-S Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009

Description

Attributed by the Wexler Team as WDDO-009 for the 1940-S Mercury Dime, this doubled die obverse displays very minor doubling on the date digits. The Wexler Team noted specific die markers for attribution: on the obverse, a short die scratch runs north-south through the G in GOD, and a die crack extends from the winged cap (bonnet) to the rim to the left of the T in LIBERTY. The reverse carries strong die clash marks running through the left side of the olive leaves, plus a die scratch running south-southwest to north-northeast through the E in E PLURIBUS UNUM. No cross-references to other attribution systems were known at the time of cataloging. Adolph Weinman's Mercury Dime design — actually depicting Liberty wearing a winged Phrygian cap — was in its twenty-fifth year of production in 1940, and San Francisco struck approximately 21.5 million dimes that year. The die crack from the bonnet to the rim represents progressive die fatigue that can be used alongside the doubling to confirm attribution. Nine documented doubled die obverses for the 1940-S date demonstrate the sustained attention variety specialists have devoted to this beloved pre-war silver series.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Thomas McGowan Cross References: None known
• None known; Wexler Variety ID: 1940-S 10¢ WDDO-009
• Expert attribution by Wexler Team

External References