1941-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003

Description

Attributed by Brian A. Ribar and cross-referenced as Wexler Variety ID 1941-D WDDR-003, this Denver Mint Jefferson Nickel carries Class II Distorted Hub Doubling on its reverse. The doubling is visible on E PLURIBUS UNUM and slightly on UNITED, where the hub's second impression was tilted relative to the first, causing design elements to spread from a pivot point rather than shifting uniformly. Diagnostic die markers include an obverse die gouge located in Jefferson's hair to the right of his temple, while the reverse shows a die dot below the M of MONTICELLO and another die dot to the upper right of the C of MONTICELLO. These specific markers allow confident attribution even when the doubling itself is subtle, as the combination of two reverse die dots and one obverse gouge creates a unique die signature. The 1941-D Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Denver Mint just months before the United States entered World War II, with a mintage of approximately 53.4 million coins in the standard copper-nickel composition that would soon be replaced by the wartime silver alloy in 1942. Felix Schlag's Jefferson portrait and Monticello reverse, selected through a 1938 public design competition, feature architectural lettering and building details where Class II hub distortion becomes diagnostically meaningful, particularly in the fine serifs and spacing of the motto lettering.

Attribution History

• Discovered by Brian A. Ribar
• Wexler Variety ID: 1941-D WDDR-003
• Expert attribution by Brian A. Ribar

External References